Culture Crafters - Turning Around a Toxic Culture: Part 1 - The Problem

Culture Crafters – Turning Around a Toxic Culture: Part 1 – The Problem

May 6, 2024

Boeing has recently seen one of the most public meltdowns over corporate culture. In 2024 alone, there have been multiple incidents, allegations, and reports about the company in the public arena. The company is under investigation by numerous governmental agencies. Several news organizations have reported a ‘toxic’ culture at the company, and there are ripples throughout the worldwide aviation industry. In such a situation, the question for any organization is how it thinks about turning around its culture. In this special five-part podcast series, Sam Silverstein, the most trusted voice in America on accountability, and Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, look at the ways a company in the depths of such a situation can plan out and take concrete steps to turn around and rebuild its culture. In Part 1, we consider the steps that led Boeing to the current state of its corporate culture.

A culture does not go toxic overnight. There are always multiple steps, roads taken (or perhaps not taken), and sometimes years for the toxicity to manifest itself. The cultural problems of Boeing can be traced back to its 1997 merger with McDonnell Douglas, which has since manifested in significant safety and quality issues. This issue highlights the importance of prioritizing quality over stock performance, a lesson to be learned for the future of the commercial airline industry. The root of Boeing’s problems lies in this shift in culture post-merger, from a quality-driven ethos to a profit-centered one, leading to a compromising situation for safety and quality. The company needs a cultural transformation that values quality, safety, and employee feedback for an improved company reputation. Silverstein highlights that the company’s cultural problem stems from a shift towards short-term financial gains after the merger. Drawing on his expertise in accountability, Silverstein underlines the importance of a culture that values quality, safety, and open communication, which is vital for attracting top talent, enhancing productivity, and, ultimately, maximizing profitability.