Two Principles and an Ant Colony: An Evidence-Based Guide to Building a Flourishing Company

This case study describes how a business-to business technology company (MEI) transformed itself from a loss-making, dispirited company into a highly profitable, growing business with a flourishing culture. This transformation was guided the principles of mutuality and responsibility, and organizational dynamics inspired by the functional mechanisms of an ant colony. The actions taken by the MEI leadership are reviewed in the light of positive psychology research to identify the scientific basis for their success. This case study is an exemplar for the benefits of a people-oriented approach to business leadership.