Organizational Culture as a Driver of Reform in the Greek Public Health Sector

This chapter aims to examine the role of organizational culture in shaping performance, innovation, and change within the public sector. Focusing on four distinct cultural types—hierarchical, market-oriented, participatory, and adaptive—the review seeks to understand how these models operate in diverse public administration contexts, with particular emphasis on their presence and impact in the Greek public sector. Globally, hierarchical cultures dominate traditional public bureaucracies, while market and adaptive cultures are increasingly promoted for their alignment with performance-based management and innovation. Participatory cultures are linked to inclusive governance and employee engagement. In Greece, the literature reveals a prevailing hierarchical culture, often characterized by centralized control and formalism. However, recent administrative reforms and digital initiatives have begun to introduce more adaptive and participatory elements into public management.