Dictionaries define quiddity as “the inherent nature or essence of someone or something.” In our consulting practice, we’ve found quiddity a useful concept in representing an organization’s founding history and principles that align and anchor it internally, while also serving as a powerful marketplace differentiator.
If culture is “the way we do things around here,” quiddity is “why we do things the way we do.” Quiddity serves as a stable foundation for culture, which can evolve in positive ways but also drift dangerously off course. That’s particularly critical in organizations where culture is a linchpin of success.
Read the full article on Harvard Business Review.