A Gupco Drilling Case Study Illustrates How Shifting an Organization’s Culture Can Shape How it Approaches Innovation

Abstract Change the collective organizational culture from risk avoidance to risk taking because of the realization that taking calculated risks can lead to innovation and progress. This approach enabled a more agile and adaptable response to enhance performance while also cultivating a culture of continuous improvement. To achieve the required change, a communication and engagement strategy was selected through the following. To help GUPCO drilling organization understand the need for change, a high-value learning study was carried out. The study involved analyzing current practices, identifying areas of inefficiency, and exploring innovative approaches to enhance productivity and performance. To help GUPCO drilling organization start making the necessary adjustments, a workshop on drilling performance improvement was held. The workshop aimed to identify areas of improvement and develop strategies to enhance drilling performance. It provided a platform for employees to share their insights and collaborate on implementing effective solutions. By adopting this mindset, the GUPCO drilling team was able to approach challenges with a fresh perspective, encouraging innovative solutions and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Consequently, the drilling team unlocked previously inaccessible opportunities. This new working philosophy was implemented in the EDFU field 2021 campaign by combining two sections that had never been drilled together. This resulted in time and cost savings and the unlocking of opportunities that had been blocked since 2017. Same approach of combining two sections was utilized in Saqqara, July, and October fields with outstanding results. The successful implementation of this new working philosophy not only allowed the drilling team to tap into previously untapped opportunities but also led to a significant increase in productivity and overall success, solidifying the effectiveness of this strategy and paving the way for future attempts. By fostering a culture that values experimentation, risk-taking, and open communication, companies can create an environment where employees feel empowered to think creatively and explore new ideas. This cultural shift can lead to increased collaboration, the breaking down of silos, and a greater emphasis on continuous learning and improvement, ultimately driving innovation forward.