High-Performance Organizations

by Dr. Larry Weinzimmer, Professor of Business Management and Administration

Numerous researchers have tried to show the link between organizational culture and firm performance. Due to inconsistencies in definitions, measurement, sampling and analyses, results have been mixed.  Recently there has been a call for a comprehensive study that provides definitive answers regarding the link between culture and performance.  Dr. Larry Weinzimmer, author, consultant, and Professor of Business Management and Administration at Bradley University, has answered the call.  His research project has overcome several shortcomings of previous research by developing effective measurement grounded in the literature, proper sampling methods, inclusion of control variables and proper data collection. 

This pioneering research focuses on two key questions - How can companies survive – and even succeed – during a recession?  What differentiates those that strive for greatness from those that strive for mediocrity? Simply stated, leaders of high-performance companies attribute much of their success to having organizational cultures that empower their companies to pull ahead of the pack. To date, no one has been able to figure out how to efficiently measure culture and its effect on market and financial performance.  Based on a five-year study, Dr. Weinzimmer developed a statistically robust instrument to accurately measure culture.  This groundbreaking research identified five key cultural attributes that unequivocally impact bottom-line performance regardless of challenging economic conditions. Results show that strong strategic commitment, market focus, action orientation, employee commitment and acceptance of risk, all impact bottom-line firm performance.

As such, it has allowed Dr. Weinzimmer to identify the tools and techniques necessary to transform any company into a high-performance organization.

See a successful company’s culture at work ►View MSNBC's What Works

If you would like more information on the cultural attributes of high-performance organizations, please contact the Executive Development Center at 309. 677.4420 or toll free at 888.409.4740.  We would be happy to discuss how this research can improve your company’s bottom line.