The Competing Values Framework (CVF) groups cultural priorities along two axes: flexibility versus stability, and internal versus external focus. Its four dimensions offer a shared language for discussing how work gets done.
Werkvolk uses its own scenario questions based on this framework. It is a different questionnaire from the original OCAI instrument. Use the profile as a starting point for reflection and discussion, alongside examples from your workplace.
Trust, connection, and shared ownership
In Collaborate, culture is shaped by trust, engagement, and a strong sense of ‘we’. Teams share knowledge, support each other, and value people development.
This dimension is powerful when you want to strengthen collaboration across teams, improve retention, and build psychological safety, while still keeping the organization moving forward.
- Typically visible: coaching, feedback, open communication.
- Watch out: too much harmony can slow decision-making.
Autonomy, experimentation, and agility
In Create, innovation takes the lead. People take initiative, test ideas quickly, and learn by experimenting.
It fits organizations building new products, entering new markets, or increasing agility, especially when experimentation is paired with clear priorities and follow-through.
- Typically visible: prototypes, cross-functional squads, ‘fail fast’ loops.
- Watch out: without focus, execution fragments.
Process, quality, and predictability
In Control, control provides clarity. Roles, processes, and standards make work predictable and consistent, while quality is actively managed.
This is especially valuable for scaling, compliance, and reliability, but too much control can reduce flexibility and slow innovation.
- Typically visible: clear roles, procedures, quality controls.
- Watch out: too many rules can limit ownership and adaptability.
Results, pace, and customer value
In Compete, the focus is on achieving goals, moving fast, and delivering measurable customer value. Expectations are clear and performance is tracked.
This can be a major strength in competitive environments, as long as there is balance to avoid burnout, internal rivalry, or short-term decision-making.
- Typically visible: KPIs, accountability, fast decisions.
- Watch out: excessive competition can create stress and friction.