The Monkey Experiment: A Lesson in Organizational Culture

Start with a cage of five monkeys

Inside the cage, hang a banana on a string from the top and place a set of stairs beneath it. Before long, a monkey will notice the banana and begin climbing the stairs. As soon as the monkey touches the stairs, spray all the other monkeys with cold water.

Each time a monkey attempts to climb the stairs, spray the rest with cold water. Eventually, the other monkeys will begin to prevent any monkey from approaching the stairs to avoid being soaked. They won’t go for the banana - not because they don’t want it, but because of what happens when someone tries.

Now, put away the cold water.

Remove one of the original monkeys and replace it with a new one. Naturally, the newcomer will see the banana and attempt to climb the stairs. To his surprise, the other monkeys will attack him. After several attempts - and several beatings - he’ll learn: climbing the stairs is not allowed.

Next, replace a second original monkey with a new one. This monkey will also head toward the stairs and be attacked. Interestingly, the previous newcomer, who was never sprayed, will participate in the attack with just as much enthusiasm.

Repeat this process until all five of the original monkeys have been replaced. Every time a new monkey enters the cage, it will be assaulted when trying to reach the banana - despite none of the remaining monkeys ever having experienced the cold water spray themselves.

Why?

Because “that’s the way it has always been done”.

This is how dysfunctional leadership cultures can persist in organizations. Outdated behaviors and norms are perpetuated, not because they make sense, but simply because they’ve been inherited. Nobody questions them. Nobody remembers the reason. But everyone enforces the rules.

The takeaway?

Don’t be like the monkeys. Challenge assumptions. Question “the way it has always been done”. Culture can be changed - but only if someone has the courage to break the pattern. Be that someone. Be part of the transformation.