Definition
The Growth Culture Index (GCI) is a public, repeatable index that measures how organizations signal, reinforce, and operationalize a culture of growth through observable behaviors. Rather than relying on surveys, self-reported claims, or proprietary internal data, the Index evaluates organizations using consistent, externally visible indicators—such as investment in learning, internal mobility signaling, leadership communication, and innovation cadence—to assess whether growth is embedded as an organizational norm rather than a stated aspiration.
Dimensions (v1.0)
Each dimension is scored independently using public evidence. Scores are assigned conservatively: when evidence is limited or ambiguous, the lower score is used.
1) Learning Investment Signals
The degree to which the organization visibly demonstrates sustained investment in employee learning and skill development.
Learning stipends • Tuition reimbursement • Certification support • Corporate academy • L&D documentation
2) Internal Mobility & Career Path Clarity
The extent to which the organization publicly signals that employees are expected and supported to grow into new roles internally.
Career frameworks • Promotion pathways • Internal candidate language • Advancement stories • Mobility programs
3) Leadership Growth Signaling
How consistently leadership communicates growth, learning, and adaptation as expected behaviors rather than abstract values.
CEO letters • Executive blogs • Interviews • Shareholder communications • Official values tied to behaviors
4) Innovation & Experimentation Cadence
The visibility and frequency with which the organization demonstrates experimentation, iteration, and evolution.
Launch cadence • Major updates • Public R&D • Innovation labs • Hackathons • Open-source (where applicable)
Scoring (0–100)
Each dimension is scored on a 0–25 scale based on observable public evidence. The total Growth Culture Index Score is the sum of the four dimension scores (0–100).
| Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 0 | No observable public evidence |
| 5 | Minimal or symbolic signals |
| 10 | Clear but limited signals |
| 15 | Consistent, organization-wide signals |
| 20 | Strong, multi-channel reinforcement |
| 25 | Best-in-class, explicit, and sustained commitment |
Conservative scoring If evidence is weak, incomplete, or difficult to verify, the score is reduced accordingly.
Methodological boundaries
- Signals, not outcomes: the Index does not measure performance, engagement, or business success.
- Public-only evidence: no private interviews, surveys, or internal datasets are used.
- Repeatable: a third party should be able to follow the same process and reach similar scores.
- Comparable: criteria remain consistent across organizations and industries.
- Point-in-time: scores reflect observable evidence at the time of scoring.
Data sources
Evidence may be drawn from publicly accessible materials such as:
- Company websites (including L&D and careers pages)
- Leadership communications (letters, blogs, interviews)
- Press releases and product announcements
- Regulatory filings or shareholder letters (when applicable)
- Public technical activity (e.g., open-source), where relevant
Disclaimer
The Growth Culture Index is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, legal, accounting, or tax advice, and it should not be relied upon as a basis for any decision involving capital allocation, employment, or vendor selection. Scores reflect publicly observable signals at a point in time and may be incomplete or subject to change. No warranty is made regarding accuracy, completeness, or fitness for a particular purpose.