Abstract
M.Com.
The study was conducted with the express purpose of finding thorough understanding, within the framework of bus i ness management, of the concept "corporate culture" and its function as a dimension of the management process. Substantial consensus has been reached by researchers that each enterprise has its own identifiable culture and that this culture ,has a very powerful infiuence on the management process and performance of the enterprise. Uncertainty however still exists regarding the manner in which this phenomenon succeeds to influence and how it can be manipulated to the benefit of a particular concern. A fact worth noting is that few researchers followed a systems approach in their studies of "corporate culture" and its extensive influence on the management process. Many researchers see "corporate culture" only as one
isolated component of business management and therefore fail to explain the exact nature and influences of this phenomenon. In order to describe and analyse the concept "corporate culture" from the perspective of business management, a holistic approach forms the basis of this study. The findings hereof confirms the importance of "corporate culture" as an essential element of the process of business management. The concept of "corporate culture" cannot be separated from the business management process. Management thinking and corporate activities are influenced by cultural values and norms. Managers therefore have to take note of this phenomenon, gain knowledge thereof and strive to integrate the proactive managing of corporate
culture into overall business management, in order to enhance the performance of their enterprise.