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 BioLecturer at Glasgow Caledonian UniversityPhD in Leadership Studies, University of San DiegoFormer People & Culture leader with World Vision in Papua New GuineaCoach, consultant, and certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitatorWe DiscussWhat the Competing Values Framework reveals about NGO cultureAndrew’s four-phase model of cultural consciousnessWhy safeguarding policies fall short without deeper cultural insightThe difference between “organizations having culture” and “organizations being culture”How to apply a developmental view of culture to real-world leadership challengesWhy boards and regulators often miss key dynamics in NGO cultureQuotes “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 PageEnjoy my essay related to todays topic: Can Organizational Culture Help Explain Recent INGO Scandals?Let’s stay connectedYou 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.