What role does management play in determining Organizational Culture?

Management plays a critical role in determining the culture of an organization. The values, beliefs and outlook of the person at the top filter down through all levels and create an operational environment that affects all staff members.

Promotions and the "chain of command" are determined by how closely aligned individuals are with the prevailing norms of the organization as determined by management. 

This means that changes or improvements to existing methods need "buy-ins" from management or they are, in most cases, doomed to failure. While change is sometimes painful and difficult, managers who understand the need to constantly renew the organization position themselves for success in the marketplace of the 21st century.