The Tribune

By Ian Ferguson

As you move from one company to another, there are some noticeable differences between organisations that are very formal versus those which are more casual and relaxed. Employees leaving one organisation and going to another, where there exists a stark difference in the culture, often have great difficulty in assimilating. Let’s explore, for a moment, what these environments look like and how to best maneuver in each of them.

Our formal business, bureaucratic-type work environment has perhaps evolved as a result of our colonial heritage. Our British Lords taught us to conduct business by the scripted, and oftentimes unnecessary, rigid standards and codes. Formal letters and memorandums with the use of Old English script are still the most common method of communicating with staff. Everyone is addressed by their formal surnames with the appropriate titles of Dr, Mr, Mrs, etc. used. A hierarchical structure is respected in a formal business environment, and subordinates know their place. There is an unwritten code that sets the stage for junior staff to revere and obey those with tenure and years of experience.

Naturally, the dress code is full business attire, which narrowly subjects everyone to the dreary colours of grey, black, navy and brown. Jackets are a necessity and may only be deserted on a Friday which, in some formal settings, is regarded as a more relaxed day.

The formal business environment, especially in today’s modern, contemporary corporate world, is viewed quite negatively by a younger, more exposed generation of Bahamians. It is dubbed stuffy, impersonal, uncongenial, cold and inflexible. The generations of ‘X’ and ‘Y’, who grew up asking their parents ‘why’, have no clue as to why certain rules apply in the formal business environment. They challenge the script, and those in authority, who insist on making much ado about what is.

On the contrary, the relaxed and casual work environment has become increasingly popular. Co-workers are called team members, and even persons in authority are regarded as a part of the team. The general form of communication is the informal e-mail without the formal headings, ‘ufs’s’, ‘RE’s’, ‘Pursuant to’s’, etc. It is quite common to receive a company-wide e-mail that reads: ‘Hey guys… Donna joined the communications team today. If you see her around the lunch room, be sure to give her a huge Mega Mart welcome. Cheers’!

Titles and surnames are almost never used. Everyone is on a first-name basis despite the role you play. The attire is far more informal and colours are allowed. There is greater room for individual expression, and team members are not confined to tight laws and regulations. The democratic and delegative leader thrives in this environment. The threatened or autocratic leader would have great difficulty coping.

Other persons rejecting this loose work environment argue that it breeds disrespect for authority, encourages inappropriate behaviour among team members, and the casual spirit is transferred to the work ethic - resulting in corporate slackers.

Surely you know the environment you currently find yourself. Whether casual or formal, and whether you have assimilated or not, you have a job to do. The culture of the workplace must not dictate the extent to which you effectively carry out your functions. Excellence is a matter of choice. Choose to be GREAT today.

NB: Ian R. Ferguson was educated locally, regionally and internationally, having earned a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Miami. During the course of his nearly 20 years in education, talent management and human resources, he has served both the public and private sector in senior management roles. He currently serves as manager of the Chamber Institute, and as a local consultant in the field, having assisted hundreds of local and regional businesses in improving business and service excellence through their human capital.