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The Best Business Culture Books

Last updated on August 25, 2021

We looked at the top 5 Business Culture Books and dug through the reviews from 12 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Business Culture Books.

Best Business Culture Books

Our Review Process

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Our Picks For The Top Business Culture Books

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
  Our Top Pick

Ben Horowitz What You Do Is Who You Are

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Ben Horowitz

What You Do Is Who You Are

Using four examples of successful leadership from history (including Genghis Khan's cultural inclusiveness and the only successful slave revolt) this book analyzes how these lessons can be applied to build an intentional and purposeful corporate culture in the modern world.

Overall Take

Historically Based WisdomGreat for history buffs, managers, and those who are a bit of both, this book will transform how you approach business culture.

  Runner Up

Daniel Coyle The Culture Code

Daniel Coyle

The Culture Code

This book examines a diverse array of the world's most successful organizations, ranging from shoe companies and sports teams to military units, to identify specific strategies that produce cooperation, innovation and cohesion. The book also includes real-life examples of what not to do.

Overall Take

What Works BestTake control of your business' culture with a book that offers an effective mix of science, insights from leaders and practical advice.

  We Also Like

Erin Meyer The Culture Map

Erin Meyer

The Culture Map

Corporate cultures worldwide are as different as the social cultures they're embedded in. This book breaks down these cultures and provides concrete, actionable advice to bridge gaps and create a functional framework for your business. It does so in a readable and engaging way.

Overall Take

Guide to Global DifferencesThis book unlocks the secrets to communicating with those from different backgrounds and is perfect for global companies.

  Strong Contender

Edgar H. Schein Organizational Culture and Leadership

Edgar H. Schein

Organizational Culture and Leadership

The fifth edition of this book, a defining one in the field, explains the abstract concept of organizational culture and how it relates to leadership. The role of leadership is examined especially in terms of organizational age: from its founding, though its mid-life, and into maturity.

Overall Take

Shape Your TeamThis book offers a great starting point for understanding business culture and considers unique approaches for your own business.

  Also Great

Karin Hurt & David Dye Courageous Cultures

Karin Hurt & David Dye

Courageous Cultures

Many businesses think they have an open culture that invites contribution, only to be surprised when they learn their employees feel unheard. This book examines why and provides research-proven techniques for fostering innovation, problem-solving and a customer focus.

Overall Take

Encourage Employee InvolvementGet a true competitive advantage when you make all your employees advocates for your success. This book shows how.

Buying Guide

Business today truly is international, with technology allowing employees, customers and owners/partners to come together from anywhere in the world. With this comes a plethora of communication styles and cultural backgrounds.

Moreover, the economy, technology and global culture are changing so quickly that what worked for the manager that came before you may not work for you. In such an environment, the right book on business culture can be a lifesaver.

Organizational culture is now its own field of study, and you can easily begin reading up with a textbook on the subject. When choosing a book, check an author’s bona fides to see if they’ve successfully led or fostered specific companies or cultures. If they come from an academic or scientific background, find out if their research is rigorous and peer-reviewed.

More than anything, look for specific and actionable advice. It can be easy to get lost in generalities with an abstract concept like organizational culture.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, Simplemost analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
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Products Considered

We identified the majority of the business culture books available to purchase.
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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Daniel Coyle The Culture Code

Our Total Score

9.4

Key Takeawy

This book examines a diverse array of the world's most successful organizations, ranging from shoe companies and sports teams to military units, to identify specific strategies that produce cooperation, innovation and cohesion. The book also includes real-life examples of what not to do.

What to Look For

  • Seek out additional reading that’s specific to your industry. This can depend on the age, size, sector and location of your business.
  • Find books focused on your specific situation. For example, are you a small business or in the public sector?
  • Always make sure the author does not dismiss the experiences of diverse employees, clients and partners.
  • Buy the latest edition of the book to ensure you’re getting the most up-to-date information about statistics, people and processes.

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