It’s time to talk, guys...
“CULTURE eats strategy for breakfast” was originally just a throwaway line by management guru, Peter Drucker. It has inspired much discussion, a book or two and is now an oft-quoted term by entrepreneurs and boards.
However, what if that culture is socially outdated? At what point does this statement crumble, leaving an office full of social damage behind it?
A culture that treats women any differently to men, or disparages women in any way, is socially outdated and, quite frankly, unacceptable. If this is your work environment, it’s time to “move the dial” in the right direction.
White Ribbon Australia has a single Vision: “A nation that respects women, in which every woman lives in safety, free from all forms of men’s abuse”. It’s difficult to discuss, but one-in- three women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them, with most instances being in the home. One-in-five experience harassment in the workplace.
According to AFTA’s latest study, 72% of travel agency employees in Australia are women. If you simply look around your office and do the math, you will shock yourself. But it’s time we talked about this openly. Believing the statistics, recognising that this is a genuine social problem and providing a workplace where women feel protected and empowered is crucial towards creating social change.
Corporate Social Responsibility starts within your own company. It isn’t just a statement on your website and an annual tax-deductible donation to your favourite charity. Companies that choose to stay ahead of what’s socially acceptable, not just catch up to it or ignore it completely, are actually showing that they are genuine ‘ thought leaders’ of their industry.
It is up to all management to affect meaningful change in the workplace, especially the men. So yes, culture does eat strategy for breakfast, but it must be the right culture.
See www.whiteribbon.org.au.
providing a workplace where women feel protected and empowered is crucial towards creating social change.’