Exploring the Impact of Team Culture in High-Pressure Jobs, such as Investment Banking and Consulting, and How Project Management Can Be Applied

Author

Mayavathi Lal, Harrisburg University of Science and TechnologyFollow

Completion Date

Spring 2-20-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Program or Discipline Name

Project Management

First Advisor

Dr. Tedd Wheeler

Abstract

Toxic team cultures remain a pressing issue in high-pressure environments such as investment banking and consulting, where long hours, and hierarchical norms often undermine employee well-being and compromise project delivery. Previous studies have documented how workplace stress, exclusionary leadership, and cultural rigidity fuel burnout and turnover. However, limited research has explicitly examined these cultural dynamics through the lens of project management frameworks such as resource management, stakeholder engagement, and agile practices. This study employs a qualitative research approach by leveraging semi-structured interviews with analysts and associates, to capture the lived experiences of culture and its impact on team coordination and deal execution. Participants will include junior investment banking and consulting professionals who are currently employed or have been employed within the past two years. The findings indicate that toxic work expectations such as “always-on” availability, restricted norms around time off, and fear-based managerial pressure contribute to emotional exhaustion, reduced morale, and increased turnover intentions. These cultural conditions also undermine project delivery by weakening ownership, increasing fatigue-related errors, and driving inefficiencies through rework and compressed timelines. Participants further reported coordination challenges linked to unclear expectations, delayed senior feedback, and limited upward communication. Notably, effective leadership behaviors described by participants closely aligned with core project management practices such as realistic planning, clear prioritization, and proactive communication.

Recommended Citation

Lal, M. (2026). Exploring the Impact of Team Culture in High-Pressure Jobs, such as Investment Banking and Consulting, and How Project Management Can Be Applied. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.harrisburgu.edu/dandt/84