ABSTRACT
What is culture? This ubiquitous word is used as both explanation and as diagnosis when we see institutional failures, including in health and care. The culture has broken down, reforming culture is a route to remedy failures and prevent their recurrence. These formulations are used without consideration of the complexities of the term and without critique as to its appropriateness. This chapter examines the myriad ways culture has been defined and then considers examples of where culture change has been attempted in the NHS. The chapter concludes with sounding a cautionary note about the usefulness of utilising culture in the ways it is widely used.
