Are you more of a Startup or a Corporate Type?

Imagine having the perfect job – you do what you love, your skills match the job description… and yet, you don’t feel good. Maybe the slow pace frustrates you, or you can’t handle the constant chaos. Why is that?

The answer is simple: company culture. How a company operates, how work is done and communication flows, has a massive impact on your satisfaction. Finding the right work environment is just as important as finding the right job description.

Why does it matter where you fit in?

It’s not just about what you can do; it’s about whether the company environment allows you to fully use your skills. You may be incredibly talented, but if you end up in an environment that doesn’t suit your work style, you’ll soon feel frustrated, ineffective, or misunderstood.

Let’s take a look at an example with Jirka and Karel.

👨‍💼 Jirka: Precise, systematic, but loves chaos – not because he wants to live in it, but because he enjoys bringing order to it. He needs a space where he can build structures and implement rules.
👨‍💼 Karel: Also systematic, but unlike Jirka, he needs an already established order, not to create one. He wants a functional system where he can oversee things being done correctly.

Now, let’s switch them:

👨‍💼 Jirka joins a corporation where processes are strictly defined. His creative efforts to improve things hit a rigid system where “innovation” means filling out a new form. Before long, he gets bored and feels useless.
👨‍💼 Karel finds himself in a startup where he is supposed to “bring order.” But instead, he drowns in chaos, with no established processes, struggling to survive rather than organize.
💡 See? The same skill set, different needs. When culture fit is missing, even a great salary or amazing benefits won’t help. You need an environment where your skills are not just utilized but truly needed.

The Psychology of Work Environments: Skinner and Holland in Action

Now, let’s look at it from a psychological perspective.

🔬 B. F. Skinner, the founder of behaviorism, argued that our environment shapes our behavior much more than we realize. In other words, if you are creative and innovative but work in a rigid company where every attempt at change is shut down, your natural tendency to bring new ideas will gradually fade. Over time, you will either stagnate or leave.
🔍 John Holland, an expert in career typologies, stated that people grow the most where the environment aligns with their personality. In other words – if you want to thrive, you need to be in a place that matches who you are.

What Types of Company Cultures Exist, and How Do They Affect You?

Imagine looking for a new home. Some people want a big city full of opportunities, others prefer the peace of the countryside. And then there are those looking for something in between – a city, but with a park nearby. The same applies to company culture. We all have different preferences, and not every environment will suit us.

Of course, no company is a pure prototype of one culture – even in public administration, you’ll find innovators, and even a startup can be full of processes. However, certain patterns tend to repeat more often in some types of companies than in others.

Corporations: Structure, Processes, and Approval Loops

📌 What is a corporation?
A corporation is a large company with a solid structure, where everything follows pre-defined rules. The hierarchy is clear, processes are mapped out, and most decisions go through multiple approval levels.

Working in a corporation means stability and security. Your salary arrives on time, benefits are usually above standard, and you often have the chance to build a long-term career. However, if you love change, this environment might wear you down – innovation here takes so long to get approved that it often becomes outdated before it even gets implemented.

✅ Who is a corporation ideal for?
For people who like rules, structure, and gradual career growth. But if you love quick decision-making and hate endless meetings, you’ll soon be pulling your hair out.

Startups: Chaos, Speed, and Multitasking

📌 What is a startup?
A startup is a young, ambitious company looking for its place in the market. It grows quickly, changes strategies on the go, and everyone has to do a bit of everything.

Working in a startup is great if you want to learn new things, be part of something exciting, and don’t mind occasional improvisation. However, it can be quite wild – what was true yesterday may not be true today, working hours are flexible, and when something needs to be done, nobody cares that your shift is over.

✅ Who is a startup ideal for?
For people who adapt quickly, love learning, and don’t mind working on something that may not last until the next quarter. But if you need stability and clear roles, it might be exhausting for you.

Family Businesses: Relationships First

📌 What is it like to work in a family business?
Family businesses are usually small to medium-sized companies where personal relationships matter more than spreadsheets. This can be great – the environment is friendly, the boss knows your name, and decision-making is faster than in a corporation.

But beware, family ties often influence decisions, and not everything is driven by logic. If you’re not “one of them,” it may take time to earn their trust. Innovation is introduced cautiously because “this is how we’ve always done it.”

✅ Who is a family business ideal for?
For people who want a stable environment, friendly relationships, and a personal approach. But if you expect fast growth, it might frustrate you.

Public Sector: Stability, Security, and Paperwork

📌 What is it like to work in the public sector?
In public administration, the focus is on following rules rather than generating profit. This means low risk of being fired, clearly defined salary scales, and minimal unexpected changes. However, innovation moves at a snail’s pace – even a minor change can take months.

Approval processes are long and sometimes absurd, but if you seek stability and a calm work environment, it can be a great place.

✅ Who is the public sector ideal for?
For people who want stability, fixed working hours, and no major stress. But if you need dynamism and fast decision-making, it might feel like a time loop.

Turquoise Organizations: Freedom and Maximum Responsibility

📌 What is a turquoise organization?
Turquoise organizations have no hierarchy – no bosses, no top-down management. Everyone manages their own work, makes decisions, and takes full responsibility.

Sounds great? It is, but you need to be highly disciplined. No one tells you exactly what to do – you have to figure it out yourself. If you’re self-organized and can plan your work, it can be an ideal place. But if you need clear leadership and structure, it may feel like chaos.

✅ Who is a turquoise organization ideal for?
For those who crave freedom, believe in self-organization, and can take full responsibility for their work. But if you need clear leadership, you’ll feel lost here.

How to Choose an Environment Where You’ll Truly Succeed

Work isn’t just about what you do but also where you do it. You may have great skills and an amazing team, but if you’re in a company that doesn’t match your work style, pace, or approach, you’ll eventually burn out. How can you avoid that?
Before looking for the perfect opportunity, ask yourself a few key questions:
🔹 Do I prefer rules, or do I like improvising? Do I need clear structures, or do I thrive in a dynamic environment?
🔹 What pace suits me? Do I want a calm environment with long-term plans, or do I want to be at the center of fast-moving changes?
🔹 What motivates me? Stability? Career growth? Meaningful work? The ability to innovate?
🔹 Will I have space to use my strengths? Am I an analyst who needs order? Or a creative soul who wants freedom?

How to Get a Sneak Peek into a Company Before Joining?

Before signing the contract, do a little detective work. Companies know how to present themselves well in interviews, but the reality can be completely different. How can you find out what you’re getting into?

🔍 Welcome to the Jungle, Cocuma, Atmoskop – great platforms where you can find authentic employee reviews and office photos.

📱 Company’s social media – check out LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. How do they communicate? What do their company events look like? Does it match what you’re looking for?

👀 Employees on LinkedIn – see how long people stay at the company. Is everyone leaving after a year? That might be a red flag.

🎤 An interview is not a one-way street – ask questions! Find out what a typical day looks like, how conflicts are resolved, and what the leadership style is. You have the right to know what you’re signing up for.

A job shouldn’t just pay the bills – it should also bring you joy. Find a place where you’ll feel great and where your skills won’t just be on paper but truly put to use. 🚀