1. Culture

2. Sub-topics 1.What is culture? 2.Culture is made up from … 3.Basic dimensions of culture 4.World Values Survey 5.Organizational cultures – how are they formulated?

3. What is Culture?

4. A series of basic meanings that have been: - Made up - Discovered - Created … by a specific team / group of people that has learned to deal with its problems and adjust to its environment … become more of a team because the way perceiving and analysis of problems have been successfully implemented, are considered to be valid and are taught to new members

5. 2. Culture is made up from … Culture ValuesHeroesMythsStoriesCeremoniesTraditionsBehaviorsOrderBeliefs

6. 3. Basic dimensions of culture Content Time Inter-personal space Language – communication Religion – values

7. 3. Content High content - Implied, formal, hierarchical, typical ways of communicating Low content - Verbal and written forms of communication Highest: Chinese / Koreans / Japanese Lowest: Germans / Swiss / Scandinavian

8. 3. Time One-dimensional - Emphasis on time, adoption of a very tight, precise schedule Multi-dimensional - Time is fluid, precision is not important

9. 3. Basic dimensions of culture in Hofstede-Bond Power Distance: between members of family, work, government, organizations Individualism / Collectivism: how close are the relations between people, society Masculinity / Feminity: competitive versus compassionate Risk Avoidance: creation of rules and order? Confucianism: respect towards hierarchy, tradition

10. 4. World Values Survey International research effort to record values and perceptions in many countries world-wide Began in 1981, today it covers 97 countries, 90% of the world’s population A questionnaire with more than 300 questions on perceptions about work, equality, sexual orientation, religion, political parties

11. 4. Questions How important are the following in your life: - Family - Friends - Work - Free time - Politics - Religion

12. 4. Questions What do you consider to be the most important aspect at work: - The salary / wage - Security - (Paid) leave - Like it - Be involved with people you can communicate with

13. 4. Dimensions X axis (horizontal) – Survival and Freedom of Expression, emphasis on the latter when - Social and political freedom is important - Acceptance of differences - Autonomy in personal and working life is important - Trust in people

14. 4. Dimensions Y axis (vertical) – Traditional and Logical Values, emphasis on the latter when the following are not important: - Religion - Patriotism - Respect towards older people - Traditional family values - Allegiance

15. 4. Dimensions

16. 5. How are organizational cultures formulated? Founders Philosophy Selection Criteria Top Management Socialization Culture

17. 5. Organizational Culture Common perceptions, accepted meanings among members of the organization Establishment / enactment: an organization is immortal, when it acquires its own life it separates itself from its members Establishment / enactment comes before culture