Cultural Transformation
by Barbara Dannhausen
Sr. Barbara Dannhausen with a student
Culture is a direct reflection of the society in which we live. We can observe aspects of the culture by getting in touch with language, communication, core beliefs, values, traditions, history, celebrations, rituals, and symbols of the community. This holds true not only for society but also for an organization or institution. When applied to an organization, we talk about organizational culture.
Culture is difficult to change since it is based on the core values and beliefs of the group and the meaning it gives to it. This meaning with the participation of the members can be redefined as needed. Values and beliefs guide decision making and, when we acknowledge values and beliefs as this foundation, we are consciously creating the future we want to experience.
The culture of the organization, however, is a direct reflection of the behavior and personal consciousness and of the leaders. Cultural transformation, therefore, begins with the personal transformation of the leaders. The challenge is for the leaders to be willing and committed to change themselves in order to change the culture of the organization.
Throughout his ministry, Jesus worked to transform the culture of his time by confronting the value system and beliefs of that society. From the very beginning, people questioned his actions and eventually turned against him. However, by the time his ministry on Earth came to an end, he had also formed a community that would continue his work to transform the culture. Initially he called together a diverse group to form a community that was committed to his mission. Jesus worked with this community inspiring them by his example, wisdom, and preaching. His disciples were to evangelize by continuing Jesus’ mission to transform the culture. Their mission was not easy because every culture also challenges the Gospel. Paul, a convert himself, soon discovered that his relationship with the Church in Corinth was not sufficient to bring about the reign of God. Time after time he had to call the Church of Corinth into accountability. Time after time, the members needed to be corrected and the Gospel emphasized. These early disciples were the mission leaders of their time. They worked continually to probe the depths of the mission of Jesus, to integrate it into every aspect of their ministry in order to bring about the reign of God and transform the culture.
Today we challenge constituents in our sponsored institutions to be mission leaders through the integration of their mission into every aspect of the institution. They are challenged to probe the depths of the mission of Jesus and their Dominican heritage in order to change their organizational culture and have an impact on the world.
Mission leaders need to understand organizational culture, be committed to personal conversion and transformation, be aware of the scope and depth of the cultural issues, and be intentional about participating in and leading the whole system change of the institution. Organizations do not transform; people do.