Following policies and procedures alone does not [necessarily] demonstrate an organisation's culture:

1. Compliance vs. Culture:

• Compliance: Following policies and procedures are often about adhering to rules and regulations to avoid penalties or legal issues.
• Culture: Organizational culture, on the other hand, is about the shared values, beliefs, and behaviours that shape how employees interact and work together. It’s more about the underlying principles that guide actions rather than the actions themselves.

2. Surface-Level vs. Deep-Rooted:

• Surface-Level: Policies and procedures can be surface-level indicators. Employees might follow them out of obligation rather than genuinely believing in their importance.
• Deep-Rooted: True culture is deep-rooted and reflected in employees' everyday behaviours and attitudes, even when no one is watching or there are no explicit rules.

3. Motivation Matters:

• External Motivation: Policies and procedures often rely on external motivation (e.g., fear of punishment, desire for rewards).
• Internal Motivation: Culture is driven by internal motivation—employees act in specific ways because they believe it’s the right thing to do. It aligns with their personal and organisational values.

4. Flexibility and Adaptability:

• Rigid: Policies and procedures can be rigid and may not adapt well to changing circumstances.
• Dynamic: A strong culture is dynamic and adaptable, allowing the organisation to respond effectively to new challenges and opportunities.

5. Genuine Engagement:

• Mechanical: Following policies and procedures can sometimes be mechanical, lacking genuine engagement or enthusiasm.
• Authentic: Culture fosters authentic engagement, where employees are genuinely committed to the organisation’s mission and values.

In summary, while following policies and procedures is vital for maintaining order and compliance, it does not fully capture the essence of an organisation’s culture. Culture is about the deeper, more intrinsic aspects of how people think, feel, and behave within the organisation.