Shaping organisational culture is challenging, and while there is evidence for correlation between positive organisation cultures and high performance the evidence for a causal relationship is not as strong, with recognition that other factors may be at play.
Nevertheless, there is growing evidence to suggest that where boards manage the culture of their organisation effectively, the organisation is more likely to give priority to relationships and to the organisation's reputation with key stakeholders: patients, the public and partners. Similarly research from Canada has show that focus at the front line on issues such as quality is increased when boards set high standards and lead by example.
The Communication Leads and Commerical Development Networks have both received presentations on using organisation values to deliver improved performance. Copies of the presenations are also available.
The FTN will be producing materials and publications to help boards to influence organisational culture during the course of the next year.