Person culture
A person culture, in Handy’s typology, places the individual members and their professional autonomy at the centre. The organisation exists largely to support their activities rather than requiring them to subordinate every interest to a corporate hierarchy. It can appear in arrangements among independent specialists, but coordination, shared obligations and collective decisions remain necessary.
Worked example
A group of independent professionals shares premises and administrative support while retaining considerable discretion over individual work. Difficulties arise when shared investment is needed but members disagree about how much autonomy to retain.
Common mistake
Do not confuse person culture with being caring or employee-friendly. The model concerns whose purposes the organisation primarily serves and how authority operates.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | BT | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| ACCA | SBL | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |
| FIA | FBT | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |