Companies with high-performance values and behaviors inspire loyalty from employees, who want to stay and be part of a team. They create advocates, who are positive about the business to customers, colleagues and recruits. They generate commitment to go the extra mile, and to do the right thing, rather than necessarily just the easy thing.

High-performance organizations don't take culture for granted; they manage it. That's a tall order, because it requires engaging people's inherent beliefs-about the value they place on their work and contributing to a common enterprise. High-performance cultures also show a strong capacity to change-a critical attribute since organizations must continue to evolve as strategic goals shift.

Bain works with clients to instill a culture that matches a firm's strategic aspirations. We help articulate both the desired culture and the steps required to get there, from changing behavior and incentives through more effective decision making and communication. Although possible as a standalone exercise, this work typically is conducted as part of a larger change program or supplements a comprehensive organizational redesign.

To find out more about Bain's work in this capability area, please contact the practice.