Image for Deal and Kennedy’s Cultural Model

Deal and Kennedy’s Cultural Model

Deal and Kennedy’s Cultural Model highlights how workplace culture affects organizational success. It uses two key dimensions: the level of risk associated with the company's work and the speed of feedback on that work. Based on these dimensions, organizations fit into four cultural types: Tough-Guy, Macho; Work Hard, Play Hard; Bet-the-Company; and Process. Understanding which culture a company embodies helps leaders align practices with their goals, affecting decision-making, employee satisfaction, and overall effectiveness. Essentially, it illustrates that a strong, well-understood culture can lead to better performance and employee engagement.