Five things which can cause huge short and mostly long term damage to any organization are its cultural elements, which are inculcated in its people over a period of time. These elements which can corrupt the environment of any organization are:
1. Hunger for gratification & power
2. Responsibility avoidance
3. Lack of trust
4. Setting personal goals ahead of organizational goals, &
5. Inability to develop others.
We all are animals, hence by default might possess all (or some) of the above listed qualities. But only people who act beyond their immediate concerns surpass these bad behaviors become leaders with strong character, not just by position.