Purpose
– Ten years ago Penna, the global HR services group, needed a radical business and culture re-invention if it was to survive. This article aims to tell the story behind Penna's journey and describe how a sustainable culture change intervention became the cornerstone of a successful business.
Design/methodology/approach
– This case study is the result of an initial ethnographical research followed by concrete and systemic interventions.
Findings
– The case study identifies four elements that sustained the business impact of a culture change program over a significant period of time.
Originality/value
– This longitudinal case study follows a culture change program in an organizational context over a period of ten years.