Leadership & Management Discussion for Lesson 27: Characteristics of the Situation

Lesson 27 Reading Objectives 1. Apply Schein’s four key organizational factors to the analysis of an organization’s culture. 2. Comprehend organizational culture and list some phenomena associated with the culture of organizations. 3. Comprehend the traditional military paradigm and its affect on the culture of the U.S. military. 4. Comprehend qualities of “supportive” command climates. 5. Comprehend command climate and identify the biggest threat to trust in the chain of command.

Lesson 27 Discussion Objectives 1. Apply Schein’s four key organizational factors to the analysis of an organization’s culture. 2. Comprehend organizational culture and list some phenomena associated with the culture of organizations.

Schein’s 4 Key Organizational Factors  Myths and Stories  Symbols and artifacts  Rituals  Language: Who “belongs” Who “belongs” View of others View of others Create a culture Create a culture

Organizational Culture  A pattern of shared basic assumptions that the group learned as it solved problems.  This pattern has worked well enough to be considered valid and is taught to new members as the correct way to perceive, think and feel in relation to those problems.

Cultural Phenomena  Behavior regularities  Group norms  Espoused values  Formal philosophy  Rules of the game

Cultural Phenomena (Cont.)  Climate  Embedded skills  Habits of thinking  Shared meanings  “Root” metaphors

Command Climate  Defined: a unit’s atmosphere of support, confidence or cohesion (or their opposite) created by the commander’s acts and example.  Biggest Threat: the leader may coerce or use his subordinates for his private gain. (Getting to the top - by stepping on your troops.)

Supportive Command Climate  Pervasive sense of mission  Common agreement on top priorities  Clear standards  Competence is appreciated  Willingness to share information  Sense of fair play  Joy in teamwork  Sure sense of rationality and trust

Next Class  Stress and Leadership  Read: Leadership and Management, Chapter 28

Summary  Organizational Culture and Command Climate have real impact on mission accomplishment.  A “supportive” command climate can make a big difference in attempting to improve a marginally performing organization.

Questions? ???