Adaptability Culture Within A Salon

Terry Kerr

Culture within an organization can be a very defining characteristic, which

influences the entire longevity and strategy of the organization. Culture is defined

as the norms, values, guiding beliefs, and understandings that are shared by

employees within the organization. Culture is important within organizations

because it provides a sense of organizational identity and provides two critical

functions: to integrate members so they know how to relate to one another and to

help the organization adapt to the external environment.

Staying with my original organization of The Abbey Salon; which follows the

model of the Adaptability Culture. Salons are always evolving and changing in a

strategic focus on the external environment, which adapts and changes to meet

customer needs. These needs vary from scheduling conflicts to changes in styles and

fashion trends. In the case of a salon, the organization creates change by closely

watching trends seen in fashion magazines, trade publications, trade shows, and

celebrity styles. The salon then interprets these signals and adapts its products,

services, or styles to reflect the new emerging trends so that the salon stays ahead of

the competition.

Salons continuously evolve and adapt by experimenting with new styles and

trying to be innovative by setting new trends. Creativity is a necessary component

in any salon; dull and repetitive just does not make the cut. For a salon to thrive

innovation, creativity and risk-taking must be present and are rewarded from

within. Although these attributes are rewarded and necessary; the new trends are

not slow to transpire within the organization due to the learning curve and fashion

delay, which is experienced throughout the world.

Adaptive culture is very important to organizations during challenging times

due to the

• Culture is important to learning and innovation during challenging times

• Strong adaptive cultures often incorporate the following values:

1. The whole is more important than the parts

2. Equality and trust are primary values

3. The culture encourages risk taking, change, and

improvement