The importance of organizational culture cannot be overstated — and it should never be overlooked.
More than perhaps any other characteristic, an organization is defined by its culture. Put simply, culture refers to the behavior and norms demonstrated by stakeholders — it shapes not only how the organization conducts itself internally, but also how it behaves and is perceived externally. Especially because businesses typically engage across a multitude of communities and across all levels of stakeholders, organizations must commit to maintaining a positive culture both inside and out. Any cultural practices misaligned with public expectations could well draw the wrath of consumers and suppliers alike — hence the importance of placing culture on the risk radar of internal auditors. In fact, any practitioner who ignores culture does so at the organization's peril
