Cultivating Culture in a Crisis

Why ethical culture is a critical leadership resource in times of uncertainty

The Covid-19 pandemic has reshaped the world of work with unprecedented speed, forcing organizations to make difficult decisions under intense pressure and uncertainty. In moments like these, organizational culture is not a “soft” concern—it becomes a critical asset that shapes how leaders communicate, how decisions are made, and how people experience trust, fairness, and purpose. Drawing on conversations with senior leaders across business and civil society, this article reflects on practical ways organizations can intentionally cultivate ethical culture during crisis, ensuring that values such as integrity, transparency, and compassion guide action when they matter most.

Woman and doctor video calling on laptop, both wearing masks, symbolizing telehealth during COVID-19.