How company directors can sniff out a failing work culture

Sally Patten and Patrick Durkin

Feb 17, 2022 – 8.41am

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The apology this week from Newcrest boss Sandeep Biswas for his autocratic style of leadership demonstrates the pitfalls of appointing change agents to fix troubled companies, experts say.

It also underscores the need for directors to know exactly when they need to pay particular attention to culture – and how to go about it.

Sally Patten edits BOSS, and writes about workplace issues. She was the financial services editor and personal finance editor of the AFR, The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. She edited business news for The Times of London. Connect with Sally on Twitter. Email Sally at spatten@afr.com

Patrick Durkin is Melbourne bureau chief and BOSS deputy editor. He writes on news, business and leadership. Connect with Patrick on Twitter. Email Patrick at pdurkin@afr.com