Chapter 9: Culture

With the pressures of building cross-sector networks, maintaining partnerships, and scaling social innovation, cross-sector social partnership (CSSP) leaders often neglect to spend time on creating organizational culture. However, the danger of this neglect is that culture will be built for you by early employees and key stakeholders. If culture becomes a problem, it is probably the most difficult aspect of the CSSP to change. It is important to consider culture early and cultivate it often. According to research by Deloitte (2012), 88% of employees believe that a distinct business culture is important to an organization’s success. A healthy CSSP culture can drive talented employees to an organization, improve employee loyalty and job satisfaction, encourage collaboration, and enhance productivity (Pittz & Liguori, 2020). Considering the benefits, giving thought to the culture that you want to create within your CSSP is an important consideration for leaders at the early stages of the venture.