The recent reviews into The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) and the body which commissioned the original review of CBA - the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), have been described in both as having a culture where decisions tend to go unchallenged and employees struggle to have their voice heard.
Professor Charmine Härtel, chair of inclusive organisational leadership and employment at the University of Queensland Business School, says leaders first need to understand they are responsible for the social dynamics of the organisation. This means workplaces where people with the highest status have the loudest voice can have negative effects on other staff. The reports found that CBA and APRA are highly unlikely to be alone in operating such hierarchies.
Read more in the Australian Financial Review as Professor Härtel discusses how organisations can change the social dynamics to create a positive working environment.
