Phase 1: Strategic culture analysis: From feeling to fact for effective change

This phase provides clarity. It transforms assumptions about culture and DEI into concrete insights, revealing where inequality and friction actually exist.

Key insights from this phase:

  • A clear picture of structural blind spots
  • Data-informed priorities for action
  • A foundation for targeted intervention

Many organizations have a vague feeling that something is wrong with their culture, but they don’t know exactly what. They feel that their DEI efforts are not having the desired effect, but they lack the concrete facts to back this up. This is where strategic culture analysis begins.

This analysis is your starting point to identify the blind spots and unwritten rules of an organization. It goes beyond a superficial survey. By collecting data on recruitment processes, promotions, salary differences, and the daily work environment, you map the true state of the culture.

The analysis transforms a vague “feeling” into concrete “facts.” It identifies the inequalities lurking beneath the surface and provides you with the necessary insights to implement targeted and effective changes. This isn’t just a measurement; it’s a deep dive that lays the foundation for genuine and sustainable improvement.

The power of a strategic culture analysis lies in the insight it provides. While traditional audits focus on rule compliance, this analysis digs deeper.

You map the factual situation in crucial areas such as:

  • Hiring: Are there unconscious biases in your job descriptions? Do your recruitment channels reach a diverse talent pool?
  • Career paths: Which groups of employees get promotions? Who gains access to development programs? The data reveals whether opportunities are distributed fairly.
  • Salary gaps: Are there unexplained differences in salary between employees with similar roles and experience?

This analysis tells you not only that a problem exists, but also where it is. This allows you to focus your DEI strategy on the points that will have the greatest impact, instead of just guessing. This is the first, most crucial step to move from good intentions to concrete results.

A deep analysis is valuable, but it is only the beginning. Without action, it remains a report that gets filed away. Your Strategic Culture Analysis provides the data needed to determine the next steps.

These insights form the foundation for:

  • Developing customized targeted skill development, which focuses on the specific blind spots that exist in your organization.
  • Creating an effective plan for sustainable implementation & guidance, so you know where to start and which initiatives will have the greatest impact.

The analysis is the essential starting point. It allows you to navigate with precision and confidence, so you aren’t guessing, but working based on facts to create an inclusive and equitable work environment.