ABSTRACT
There are five popular myths in particular that need close scrutiny. Understanding what they are and why they are myths is the first step toward becoming a more sophisticated culture and change leader. The myths are: culture starts at the top, culture is a physical thing, one company, one culture, culture is what we say we care about and culture is employee well-being. Culture and Personality theorists from the first half of the 20th century believed cultures could be analyzed based on personality type. One problem in thinking of culture as a real thing is that it leads us to the idea of “one company, one culture”. A well-known corporate culture consultant is famous for publishing posters and wallet-sized cards with catchy and colorful phrases meant to convey the company’s values. Consultants, managers, and pundits will insist that “a company’s culture has a direct impact on employee turnover, which affects productivity, and therefore success”.
