What Role Do Core Values Play in Shaping Company Culture?

By Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Founder of Bab Group Of Companies, Global Leader & Author of 28COE Core Values – Edition 1

In today’s ever-evolving corporate landscape, businesses no longer thrive on products or profits alone—they thrive on culture. And at the heart of every strong, sustainable company culture lies a powerful force: core values.

Core values are the bedrock of any organization’s identity. They influence how teams collaborate, how leaders lead, and how a brand is perceived both internally and externally. In fact, company culture isn’t something that can be faked or fabricated—it is shaped, nurtured, and guided by the core values practiced every single day.

As the author of the internationally embraced 28COE Core Values – Edition 1, and as a leader who has launched and advised thousands of organizations, professionals, startups, and brands across continents, I have witnessed how a value-aligned culture becomes a competitive advantage, a source of innovation, and a foundation of trust.

What Is Company Culture?

Company culture is the personality of an organization—the sum of its values, traditions, interactions, behaviors, and attitudes. It is how people feel, act, and perform within a company.

It answers questions like:

• How do people treat each other?
• What behavior gets rewarded or discouraged?
• How are decisions made?
• What does success look like here?

Culture isn’t defined by slogans or statements. It is lived out daily—and that’s where core values come in.

What Are Core Values?

Core values are the deep-seated beliefs that guide how a company thinks, acts, and grows. They define what is important, ethical, and acceptable. Core values are not marketing jargon; they are operational blueprints that influence hiring, leadership, customer service, innovation, and long-term strategy.

When lived sincerely, core values create a culture of:

• Trust
• Accountability
• Inclusion
• Growth
• Integrity
• Purpose

The Role of Core Values in Shaping Company Culture

Let’s explore how core values become the cultural DNA of thriving organizations:

1. Core Values Define Expectations and Behaviors

Core values clarify how team members are expected to behave. Whether it’s respect, innovation, or transparency, they guide daily interactions and decision-making. This results in a cohesive and consistent experience for employees and clients.

💡 Example: If “accountability” is a core value, the company will expect teams to own results, learn from failure, and deliver on promises.

2. Core Values Guide Hiring and Team Building

Companies that lead with values attract value-aligned talent. During the recruitment process, candidates can be assessed not just for skills, but for cultural fit. This helps build stronger, more cohesive teams.

💡 Example: A company that prioritizes “empathy” will seek team members who demonstrate emotional intelligence and interpersonal sensitivity.

3. Core Values Create Emotional Connection

Employees today seek more than a paycheck—they seek purpose. Core values connect them to a larger mission, creating emotional engagement and loyalty.

💡 Example: If sustainability is a value, employees feel proud to contribute to eco-conscious initiatives, making their work more meaningful.

4. Core Values Align Leadership with Teams

When leaders consistently model the core values, it strengthens trust and authenticity. Leadership becomes predictable, principled, and inspirational, reducing internal conflict and improving team morale.

💡 Example: A leader who practices “humility” will listen to feedback, admit mistakes, and value every voice in the room.

5. Core Values Influence Brand Perception

A company’s internal values often become its external brand identity. Clients, customers, and partners notice whether a company truly walks the talk. A strong values-driven culture builds credibility and brand loyalty.

💡 Example: A customer-centric brand that lives the value of “service excellence” creates consistent, exceptional experiences—leading to repeat business and referrals.

6. Core Values Build a Resilient and Agile Culture

In times of disruption or crisis, core values serve as an anchor. They help companies respond with clarity, compassion, and consistency—building resilience and trust.

💡 Example: During the pandemic, companies with values like “people-first” or “integrity” prioritized safety, transparency, and team wellbeing over short-term gains.

7. Core Values Foster Innovation and Growth

A culture shaped by values like “curiosity,” “collaboration,” and “risk-taking” encourages experimentation and bold thinking. It eliminates fear and empowers people to ideate, learn, and adapt.

💡 Example: Startups built on the value of “innovation” create an environment where failure is seen as part of progress.

Thousands of Organizations Are Living the 28COE Values

Around the globe, thousands of organizations, professionals, SMEs, and personal brands have integrated the 28COE Core Values into their DNA. These values are not theoretical—they are practical, actionable, and transformative.

Professionals across industries have embraced these values to:

• Create inclusive workplaces
• Improve team performance
• Reduce turnover
• Build purpose-driven cultures
• Develop next-generation leadership pipelines

The 28COE Core Values – Edition 1 framework continues to shape how companies—from startups to global enterprises—define their culture and scale with soul.

“A company’s core values are not a checklist—they are a commitment. Define them, live them, lead with them.”
– Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat

How to Embed Core Values into Company Culture

1. Define Your Core Values Clearly
   Identify 4–7 core values that reflect your purpose, people, and future. Use language that is simple and authentic.
2. Communicate Them Consistently
   Share your values in onboarding, town halls, websites, and performance reviews.
3. Live the Values from the Top
   Leaders must model the values daily. Walk the talk, even when no one is watching.
4. Recognize and Reward Behavior
   Celebrate individuals and teams that embody the values through actions, not just outcomes.
5. Hire and Fire by Your Values
   Let values guide hiring decisions and performance evaluations. If someone violates them repeatedly, take action.
6. Evolve Without Compromise
   As your business grows, revisit and refine your values—but never abandon them.

Final Words by Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat

Core values are not about corporate slogans—they are the spirit of a company. When practiced daily, they create a culture that is ethical, human-centered, and high-performing.

As someone who leads startups, companies, and platforms across the globe, I have seen how values are the most reliable long-term investment a company can make.

The most admired organizations today—whether large or small—stand for something. And they stand firm. You can replicate their success by making core values your company’s first priority, not a forgotten policy.

Let us build a world where culture leads business, and values lead culture.