CRRU

CULTURE ASSESSMENT

We assess culture using the Unobtrusive Corporate Culture Analysis Tool (UCCAT). Created by Reader and Gillespie, this measures culture by analysing textual or behavioural data generated in naturally occurring and different contexts (e.g., feedback, natural speech). UCCAT provides bespoke quantitative and qualitative measures of culture, and generates tailored insights, recommendations, and interventions for change. The measures have been developed through a series of research studies that test their validity and links with outcomes. For more information, see: Reader et al., 2020; Reader & Gillespie., 2022; Gillespie & Reader, 2023; Reader & Gillespie, 2024

USING AI AND TEXTUAL DATA TO MEASURE CULTURE

UCCAT uses cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and psychological theory to derive indicators of culture from naturally occurring organisational data. It is ‘unobtrusive’ in the sense that we analyse text generated through everyday behaviours and the natural course of activity in organisations (e.g., giving feedback, recording events, engaging in dialogue, submitting complaints). We use UCCAT to quantitatively assess the values and norms that are most important to employees and salient in their behaviour, identify cultural fractures or misalignment, benchmark groups and organisations, and surface emerging risks.

PROFILING CULTURE BY ANALYSING LANGUAGE

UCCAT uses bespoke algorithms to measure the degree to which every sentence in text (e.g., employee feedback) relates to a cultural value. Moreover, analyses generated by UCCAT are not limited to quantitative analyses: rather, we use qualitative analysis to examine the story underneath the numbers. Using the algorithms to navigate large-scale textual data, we analyse culture by drilling-down into the content of sentences and building a psychological profile of organisations.

LONGITUDINAL ANALYSES OF CULTURE

UCCAT produces longitudinal analyses through analysing historical textual data in organisations, and has been developed using best scientific standards to validate the input data, the measures, and the output interpretation. Longitudinal measurements are analysed qualitatively to investigate the reasons for shifts in the culture, and also to test the impact of interventions or events that might have impacted norms and behaviours within an organisation.

BENCHMARKING CULTURE

Where benchmarking data is available, the culture of organisations within an industry can be compared, and this can create opportunities for organisational learning. Textual data measured by the algorithms is embedded into figures so that it can be examined and explored against the context of wider industry trends.

Detecting new culture trends

UCCAT uses custom AI algorithms paired with human interpretation to identify new cultural trends within an organisation. This is important for understanding the issues that are ‘bubbling up’ amongst employees, identifying issues not recognised in surveys or by managers, and capturing insights for culture improvement.

INTERACTIVE REPORTS WITH INTERPRETATION

Reports with UCCAT are interactive, and include high-level quantitative analyses coupled with expert interpretation guided by the psychological literature and many years of advising organisations. Readers can browse the data and zoom-in to see the text that underlies the measurements and insights. This ensures maximum transparency, and shows organisations their culture.

INSIGHTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on our interpretation of the UCCAT analysis, insights from within the textual data, the needs of the organisation, and our methodology for leading culture change, we consider the pathways through which organisational culture might be developed and improved. Academic experts work directly with stakeholders to understand and implement these insights and recommendations.