Corporate Culture Performance

The authors trace the relationship between corporate culture and economic success. By examining over 200 firms, including Hewlett-Packard, Xerox, ICI and Nissan, they show how unwritten rules affect performance. They argue that a corporate culture must above all else be flexible. Organizations who believe thay have found a winning formula and become complacent enough to ignore changing conditions will often find themselves on the run. When an organization's set-up is no longer delivering success, then, say the authors, strong leadership is imperative. They give examples of the ways in which the positive visions of individual exectives have transformed the culture and performance of their companies.

Review: Nicholas J. Nicholas, JrPresident and CEO Time Warner Inc.A substantial follow-up to the culture studies of the early 80s. The authors describe the characteristics of low and high performing corporate cultures and the arduous process required to migrate from the former to the latter. Compelling reading for all leaders concerned with renewing the vitality of their institutions.