Culture Change is Free When You Change the System

Culture Change is Free When You Change the System

Dismiss the notion that culture change requires a budget. In reality, culture evolves naturally when you alter the way the work works. The crux lies in acknowledging that the way the work works is direct consequence of an organisation’s collective assumptions and beliefs. This is where normative learning comes in. Normative learning is not just beneficial but essential for inexpensive cultural change. It’s an avenue through which foundational assumptions and beliefs are scrutinised and potentially revised, making it an indispensable part of the transformation process.

The Reality of Zero-Cost Change

There’s no need for expensive training or consultants to initiate culture change. Such change is cost-free when you surface and reflect on the collective assumptions and beliefs that have shaped your existing systems.

Collective Assumptions and Beliefs

These collective assumptions and beliefs are not mere background noise; they dictate the way the work works. Often overlooked, these underpinnings steer behaviour and decision-making. To improve the way the work works, surface and reflect upon the collective assumptions and beliefs first.

Normative Learning

Normative learning is indispensable for staff and leaders to confront counter-intuitive truths. This leads to a revision of collective assumptions and beliefs, aligning with John Seddon’s assertion that “Change is a normative experience.” Authentic change happens when these collective assumptions and beliefs shift, resulting in behavioural and cultural change.

Systems: Outcomes of Collective Assumptions and Beliefs

Systems are not autonomous constructs; they are the consequences of collective assumptions and beliefs. Modify these through e.g. normative learning, and both the system and culture will adapt without additional expenditure.

Summary

By focusing on the collective assumptions and beliefs that inform the way thje work works in your organisation, culture change is achievable with minimal financial outlay. Normative learning provides an organic and enduring route to meaningful organisational transformation.

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