Is culture a cover for bias, or is it genuinely important to a company’s success?

I recently wrote a post asking for feedback on an interview process we’re working to improve. One section focused on asking questions to determine whether a candidate would align with our company culture.

What interested me most was the response to that specific topic. Several people said that “cultural fit” is often used to hide personal bias**;** or, frankly, as a convenient way to describe someone an interviewer or leader simply doesn’t like.

That made me want to explore the subject more deeply.

Do you believe culture is genuinely important to a company’s success, or is it often used to disguise bias and personal preference?

Have you ever worked for a company where the culture was clearly defined, consistently modeled, and supported at every level? If so, what made it feel real rather than just words on a wall?