What About Culture?

The year has just begun.
And if you find yourself unusually busy already, you may still be trying to figure out how this year will unfold.

For those who make deliberate plans for the new year, implementation has already started—especially for those who planned in December. January, however, is often a month filled with uncertainty for many businesses. Everyone is trying to reorganize, realign, and find their rhythm after the disruptions of the previous year. But as the year begins, there is one critical question that many businesses overlook:

What about culture?

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to ask one of our clients a simple question:
“What is your company culture?” We looked at each other—and there was silence.

I must admit, it was a difficult moment. What emerged was not a clear answer, but a mix of different behaviors, habits, and individual ways of working, with no defined direction. In essence, there was activity, but no shared identity.

Later that same afternoon, I found myself listening to old Tanzanian and Kenyan music. Something struck me immediately—the rhythm and beats carried a noticeable Arabic influence. This reminded me of the historical Arab presence along the East African coast during the era of trade, including the painful period of the slave trade.

Whether for good or ill, one thing was clear:
those who held power understood the importance of culture.

They did not only trade goods or control labor; they ensured their culture was deeply embedded in the societies they interacted with. Language, music, dress, religion, and social norms were deliberately introduced and, over time, assimilated.

This leads us to an important question:

Why did colonialists and slave traders place so much emphasis on instilling their culture?

The answer is simple but powerful:
Culture shapes behavior.
And behavior determines outcomes.

When culture is clear, people act predictably. They make decisions that align with shared values, even when no one is watching. Culture becomes a silent system of control, guidance, and continuity.

Now bring this back to business.

If culture was powerful enough to shape entire societies, why do many businesses operate without one?

This year, every business—whether small or large—must deliberately define and instill its culture. Culture is not motivational posters on the wall. It is not a mission statement on a website. Culture is:

• How decisions are made
• How customers are treated
• How mistakes are handled
• How time is respected
• How leaders behave when under pressure

If you do not define your culture, your employees will create one for you—often based on convenience, personal habits, or survival. And that culture may not support growth, accountability, or excellence.

As we move forward into the year, planning targets and budgets is important. But without culture, strategy struggles to survive.

So as you set goals for this year, ask yourself:
What behaviors do I want repeated in my business?
Because once you define those behaviors, you are defining your culture.

And culture—more than plans—determines whether this year will truly be different.

Happy New Year 🎉

At RentMyMBA, we help businesses audit and strengthen company culture so teams start the year aligned and productive.

Our book, Pharmacy Business in Uganda, is still available.

📞 +256 747 728 668
📧 rentmymba@gmail.com
🌐 www.rentmymba.com

About the author

Dr. Jjuuko Derrick, is a pharmacist with a keen business acumen. Having dedicated much of his career to engaging with business owners and employees, he brings a unique blend of pharmaceutical expertise and business insight to the table. As an entrepreneur himself, he is passionately committed to leveraging his technical skills and entrepreneurial experience to foster the growth and development of multiple businesses. Driven by a mission to make a meaningful contribution to the business landscape, he stands ready to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.