The Challenge
A higher education organization with international staff and students faced pressing questions around culture and social safety. Despite a supportive and dynamic academic environment, challenges emerged: onboarding was inconsistent, gossip and microaggressions created insecurity, hierarchy limited open dialogue, and conflicts often remained unresolved. Employees expressed a need for clear rules, safe spaces for feedback, and more transparency in leadership communication.
Our Approach
We started with intake sessions and qualitative research, including in-depth interviews and cultural observations. By listening to micro-stories, we uncovered the hidden patterns: how informal rules shaped belonging, how gossip functioned both positively and negatively, and how competition versus collaboration was experienced. We facilitated dialogue sessions and campfire conversations where staff could reflect together on these patterns, openly discuss challenges, and co-create new ways of working.
Cultural Insights
Our anthropological analysis revealed key cultural dynamics:
- Onboarding improved with a buddy system, but more guidance was needed around social expectations.
- Gossip and humor often bonded groups but could also harm feelings of safety.
- A gap existed between informal advising and formal complaints, leaving incidents unaddressed.
- Feedback culture was underdeveloped, leading to unresolved tension.
- Hierarchy and power dynamics made it difficult to share vulnerabilities or challenge the system.
The Outcome
Through joint reflection and dialogue, the organization gained a clearer picture of its culture and safety dynamics. Employees now have language to discuss sensitive issues, managers are more aware of their influence, and transparent agreements around feedback and behavior are being introduced. The campfire sessions built trust, reinforced inclusivity, and strengthened the foundation for a safe, collaborative academic culture.
