Cultural change refers to the transformation of a societys cultural traits, behavior patterns, and social norms, and the creation of new social structures as a result of contact with another society, invention and diffusion of innovations, and discovery. In public policy making, cultural change emphasizes the influence of cultural capital on individual and community behavior. In organizations, cultural change is the process of encouraging employees to adopt behaviors and mindsets that are consistent with the organizations values and goals.
Cultural change is a long-term process that requires a great effort to improve some basic aspects of a societys cultural traits. It may require changes in fundamental organizational and individual beliefs and philosophies, in practices, in physical environments, in relationships at all levels, and in workforce models. Cultural change can be brought about in many ways, including growth, development, evolution, renovation, reform, innovation, revivalism, revolution, mutation, progress, diffusion, osmosis, borrowing, eclecticism, syncretism, modernization, indigenization, and transformation.
Successful cultural change initiatives are often gradual and must be done at a sustainable pace so that employees can acclimate and adjust to the change without becoming disengaged. To achieve cultural change, organizations need to reshape culture and leadership with a well-planned action plan that includes measuring progress and celebrating breakthroughs along the way.
In summary, cultural change is a long-term process that involves the transformation of a societys cultural traits, behavior patterns, and social norms. It can be brought about in many ways and requires a great effort to improve some basic aspects of a societys cultural traits. In organizations, cultural change is the process of encouraging employees to adopt behaviors and mindsets that are consistent with the organizations values and goals. Successful cultural change initiatives are often gradual and must be done at a sustainable pace.
