I think individuals has the chance to form the culture and lead by example, and great leaders contribute the most in that way. Adaptation is also important, sometimes the role and success in work needs more adaptation than shaping the current culture. I arrived from business environment (18 years leadership and executive experience) the academic faculty and environment seem very rigid from cultural perspective than the business, but sometimes academic faculty is more tolerant to ex-centralism than the business (I know this contradicts :)). Better to explain the way that personal extremities handled better in the academy, but dynamic, improving culture can be expected in business.

This is true indeed and the working environment and culture play important role in shaping ones quite specific skills and aptitudes. Many faculty, staff and students during their university studies and/or work, may experience a quite typical academic culture that may be quite different from industry and business culture. Plus, the working habits, time management, team work and deadlines may take different degree of urgency and importance. Conducting practical case studies while interacting with industry and business is most practical and beneficial to all. For Faculty members, I believe that transition from academia to industry and business and then returning back to academic with very practical experience would be most beneficial and valuable.

I agree with all of your thoughts.

This is an interesting subject. If you are famous and have a reputation of your own when you enter a new culture, you are accepted as you are and not expected to confirm. However, if you join at the lower rung of the pyramid, the need and expectation to confirm are very high.