Early research data using the Cultural Assessment Tool developed by Richard Hagberg and Julie Heifitz of San Francisco-based Hagberg Consulting Group provides some insight how organizations can develop the risk taking, adaptive behavior they are striving for. These companies also, however, score high on scales that are not so easy to predict. The Risk Taking scale correlates above .45 with the Diversity, Loyalty, Openness, Participation, Supportiveness, and Teamwork scales, and the highest positive correlations are with Innovation, Respect for the Individual, and Trust. The highest negative correlations are with Hierarchy, Internal Focus, and Politics. Dave Packard and Bill Hewlett believed that people want to do a good job and will in a climate of respect and autonomy.
Most employees feel an intense commitment to the company.
Nordstrom, the newest retailer in Atlanta, has a culture built around relentless customer service. Those who stay, however, receive compensation that is considerably higher than industry standard. Atlanta is home base to several companies with cultures that fit the business like a glove and are key ingredients in the success of the company. Home Depot is a relatively young but highly successful company that built its reputation on a culture dedicated to customer service. As the economy changes, large, previously regulated companies are spawning small, entrepreneurial entities.