Abstract
In this paper, culture is conceptualized as a living system where every organizational decision and interpersonal interaction is a source of nourishment. Employing this metaphor, a leader’s visible actions, such as policy and resource decisions, serve as macronutrients, while exchanges between organizational members, such as email correspondence and meeting behavior, act as micronutrients that feed culture. An organization’s cultural health, therefore, depends on a balanced diet in which behaviors align with stated values. Leaders, as chief dietitians, identify and resolve deficiencies to build trust, enhance well-being, and improve performance. Actionable strategies for diagnosing and feeding culture are provided to help leaders create healthier organizations.
Recommended Citation
Horner, Matthew I.; White, T. Daniel; Charlton, Rylan M.; and Deporres, Daphne DS
(2026)
"The Culture Metaphor: A Simple Guide to Creating Healthier Organizations,"
The Journal of Values-Based Leadership: Vol. 19
:
Iss.
2
, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22543/1948-0733.1632
Available at:
https://scholar.valpo.edu/jvbl/vol19/iss2/4
