Organizational Culture

What is Organizational Culture? No doubt that it exists; however difficult to come to a consensus regarding the definition. Some Responses: “Culture is how organizations ‘do things’” Culture defines consistent set of behaviors (habits) within the organization “Organizational culture defines a jointly shared description of an organization from within” Culture is a shared awareness and understanding amond different individual’s perspectives and interests “An organization [is] a living culture…that can adapt to the reality as fast as possible” Culture is dynamic – shifting in response to internal and external changes

Organizational Culture and Change Leaders and Management must recognize and understand culture prior to introducing change Culture and Change must be aligned Employee perception of management’s values is the ‘reality’ of culture Integrated Cultural Framework Used to assess culture Measurements include Ability to Influence Comfort with Ambiguity Achievement Orientation Individualism versus Collectivism Egalitarianism Time Orientation Space Orientation

Organizational Culture and Change (Continued) Culture change is necessary Can be result of structural change within the organization Incentivize desired way to conduct business