Often described as “how we do things around here,” organizational culture sets the tone for the environment throughout an organization. It represents a shared understanding of how the organization operates, how its leaders lead and how its members interact with one another and with those they serve.

A healthy organizational culture can create an environment where people believe in the mission and strive to bring it to life in their work because they feel supported, valued and engaged. Organizational culture influences nearly every aspect of organizational life, so it plays a critical role in long-term effectiveness and sustainability.

At the heart of an organization’s culture are its core values. Core values define what an organization stands for. They set the standard for behaviour and provide guidance when the way forward is unclear. Often, organizations clearly articulate their values in mission statements displayed on the wall. However, this does not guarantee that those values are reflected in daily practice, and without measurement, the gaps between values and action remain hidden.

What Matters Most

Regularly measuring and analyzing values alignment provides a clear, evidence-based understanding of the organizational culture as it is experienced by its members. It ensures continuous improvement and strengthens a sustainable movement. On the other hand, when values are not measured and analyzed, misalignment between what an organization says and does can occur.

The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda has four territorial values: hope, service, stewardship and dignity. These values guide decisions and actions in ways that align with the territorial mission to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

When our actions and decisions consistently reflect The Salvation Army’s territorial values, it builds trust, fosters a sense of belonging and unites our efforts. It also improves our decision-making, promotes ethical behaviour and deepens our connection to the mission—all of which contribute to the overall health of the territory.

Strengthening Our Territory

In the Canada and Bermuda Territory, we have been measuring values alignment using the Territorial Values Survey since 2014. This survey is an anonymous assessment tool that provides a structured way for mission partners to share their perception of the organizational culture and how they fit into it.

The survey asks mission partners to identify their top personal values, the values they observe in their day-to-day Salvation Army context and the values they believe are essential for the organization to thrive. The results from the survey provide meaningful insight into values alignment and overall organizational health. When these elements are aligned, mission partners are more likely to experience a strong sense of purpose, commitment and motivation. When misalignment occurs, it can lead to frustration, disengagement and diminished trust. Measuring values helps identify any gaps in alignment and provides a clear starting point for meaningful conversations that drive focused, intentional improvements.

Invitation to Participate

This year, the Territorial Values Survey is taking place online between March 17 and 27. Everyone connected to the territory—officers, employees, volunteers and corps members—is invited to participate. You can fill out the survey now at salvationist.ca/valuessurvey.

The survey gives voice to our lived experiences, perceptions and concerns. It also empowers mission partners to influence the future of the organization by providing leaders with meaningful and reliable insights into the culture. This helps ensure any resulting actions taken will address actual issues.

Survey reports are prepared and used for debriefs with leaders across the territory with the goal of improving values alignment and ensuring a healthy organizational culture.

Culture is not created by policies or procedures alone; it is shaped and sustained by everyone. By investing your time to complete the Territorial Values Survey, you can help to build a stronger, more authentic and more effective culture.

The results of the Territorial Values Survey will be available at salvationist.ca/valuessurvey in April.

Emily MacFarlane is a consultant, management and organizational ethics, at The Salvation Army’s Ethics Centre in Winnipeg.