Ashish Marathe

The Theory of Culture Ashish Marathe

'The Theory of Culture' is a book meant for leaders and potential leaders at every level in an organization. It talks about how leaders can use culture as a tool in building strong organizations. The book is presented in a unique form. Set in a historic era, it takes the reader through a journey of organizational culture alongside a frustrated king and a wise mentor. Engaging conversations take place between these two 'lead characters' of this tale, going over every minute detail of culture in an organizational setting. The King faces issues very similar to what leaders of modern day organizations counter. His mentor makes him focus on the fundamental reasons of the issues, and sustainable solutions thereto rather than 'instant' ones. In the process, he lays down the 'science of culture' in a very simple manner, which is relevant to every organization of any era. The book explains in a fluid manner what culture stands for and what are the primary constituents of culture that make an organization strong. Leaders, very often, do not give adequate importance to building culture. One of the reasons for this is that they do not know where to start from. This book explains how leaders can use culture as a tool to make organizations proactive, responsive, self-sufficient and stable. The modern day organizations face 'health issues' similar to those faced by the modern day humans. Most of our problems today are 'lifestyle' related. These problems can be overcome only through a 'holistic' therapy, and not by treating symptoms. It is the culture in an organization that determines its lifestyle. 'The Theory of Culture' explains what the ideal ingredients are, that an organization's lifestyle should include. It attempts to assist leaders in building the internal strength of their organizations, and focusing their energies on 'prevention' rather than 'cure'.