HBR IdeaCast What Anthropologists Can Teach Us About Work Culture
Jun 22, 2021
Greg Urban, a Professor of Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania and co-author of 'The Culture Puzzle', shifts his focus from indigenous tribes to corporate cultures. He dives into how understanding employee interactions can enhance workplace dynamics. Urban emphasizes the importance of a shared vision in shaping positive organizational culture and reminds leaders that team members are individuals with emotions and relationships. His insights reveal how nuanced approaches to local cultures can drive innovation and productivity.
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From Tribes to Boardrooms
- Greg Urban transitioned from studying indigenous tribes in Brazil to corporate settings.
- He initially felt out of place in corporate environments but found common ground with people.
Culture as Habit
- Culture is hard to define because it's ingrained as habit.
- People often explain their actions as "the way things are done," making it difficult to recognize cultural influences until a shift occurs.
Building a Collective Vision
- To change culture, start with a collective vision.
- Build upon existing cultural elements to ensure long-term success, rather than imposing a top-down vision.
