092. How Culture Is Reality: Rethinking NGO Safeguarding with Andrew Henck

In this episode, I speak with Andrew Henck, a scholar-practitioner whose recent PhD research offers a nuanced take on organizational culture in humanitarian NGOs. Together, we explore how culture goes far beyond shared values—it is a lens through which organizations make sense of their reality. They also examine what this means for safeguarding, accountability, and leadership in NGOs, especially amid increasing scrutiny and systemic change. Guest’s Bio Lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University PhD in Leadership Studies, University of San Diego Former People & Culture leader with World Vision in Papua New Guinea Coach, consultant, and certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator We Discuss What the Competing Values Framework reveals about NGO culture Andrew’s four-phase model of cultural consciousness Why safeguarding policies fall short without deeper cultural insight The difference between “organizations having culture” and “organizations being culture” How to apply a developmental view of culture to real-world leadership challenges Why boards and regulators often miss key dynamics in NGO culture Quotes “Culture is not just about values. It’s how people make sense of reality.” “Organizations are not just entities with cultures—they are cultures.” Resources  Andrew's LinkedIn Page Enjoy my essay related to todays topic: Can Organizational Culture Help Explain Recent INGO Scandals? Let’s stay connected You can also watch this episode on YouTube and subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes or other thought pieces are released. Have a challenge or opportunity in your nonprofit or philanthropic organization that you'd like to explore? Feel free to reach out to Tosca directly at tosca(at)5oaksconsulting(dot)org. And if you’d like more insights on nonprofit leadership, organizational change, and culture, you can follow Tosca on LinkedIn.