COMPARATIVE CULTURAL ADAPTATION: PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR DYNAMICS IN THE DIGITAL POST-PANDEMIC ERA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/tacr.2025.4Keywords:
Organizational Culture, Digital Transformation, COVID-19 Pandemic, Public Sector Culture, Private Sector CultureAbstract
This systematic literature review comprehensively analyzes the evolving dynamics of organizational cultures, crucial for sustained success in the public and private sectors, from 2016 to 2025, specifically examining transformations pre- and post-COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic, public sector cultures prioritized transparency, hierarchy, and public service, reflecting their public mandate and adherence to regulations. In contrast, the private sector emphasized innovation, customer-centricity, and collaboration to achieve competitive advantage. The post-COVID-19 era reveals a significant cultural convergence, with both sectors prioritizing rapid digital transformation and organizational agility for enhanced resilience. Distinct divergences, however, remain: the public sector maintains its focus on digital-enabled transparency and accountability to uphold public trust, while the private sector increasingly values employee well-being and psychological safety to attract and retain talent. This study highlights how external crises accelerate profound cultural shifts towards adaptive, technology-driven paradigms, even as distinct core missions are retained. Theoretically, it expands frameworks for organizational culture by illustrating dynamic adaptation and introducing concepts of cultural convergence/divergence. Practically, it offers leaders vital insights for strategic cultural development in complex, evolving environments, emphasizing sustained success.
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