Organisational culture

Question 1

What is organisational culture and its 2 functions

Answer 1

Often unconscious programming of mind that distinguishes members of one group from others
Functions:
1. External adaption- capacity of org to reach its objectives, meet enviro demands
2. Internal integration- capacity of org members to share same language and harmonise practices and methods

Question 2

What is Scheins (1997) organisational culture model

Answer 2

Artefacts- visible symbols, heroes, rituals e.g. Adidas symbol
Espoused values- strategies, objectives, values (implicit/explicit)
Basic underlying assumptions- unconscious, implicit, hard to recognize

Question 3

What are the 6 cultural dimensions

Answer 3

1. Power distance
2. Individualism vs collectivism
3. Masculinity vs femininity
4. Uncertainty avoidance
5. Short/long term orientation
6. Indulgence vs restraint

Question 4

1. Power distance

Answer 4

How ppl tolerate unequal power distribution

Low tolerance- small supervisory ratio, subordinates expect to be consulted, want to give opinion and expect to be asked, high qualified work low lvls

High tolerance- strong hierarchy, large supervisory ratio,, subordinates expect to be told what to do, low qualified work low lvls

Question 5

2. Individualism vs collectivism

Answer 5

Degree people integrate into groups

Low- ppl belong to groups and look after each other in exchange for loyalty, stress on belonging and harmony, focus on whats better for group

High- ppl look after self and immediate family only, stress speaking mind and independence, focus on task, achievement

Question 6

3. Masculinity vs femininity

Answer 6

Adherence and endorsement of typical feminine and masculine values

Low (fem)- cooperation, care for others, friendly work enviro

High (masc)- success, recognition, competition, power, status

Question 7

4. Uncertainty avoidance

Answer 7

Dont tolerance of ambiguity and uncertainty

Low- more flexibility, relaxed state of mind, fewer rules, e.g. freelancers

High- more rules, control, policies, anxiety regarding unknown, less risk taking, structured org activities, rules not guidelines

Question 8

5. Short/long term orientation

Answer 8

Orientation toward time and values related to time

Low (ST)- stress on past and present, traditions, current obligations, enjoy present more, live in now

High (LT)- stress on future, perseverance, hard work, plan, organize work, more innovation

Question 9

6. Indulgence vs restraint

Answer 9

Low (Indulgence)- free gratification of basic needs and drives, enjoy life, have fun, enjoy doing nothing

High (restraint)- control gratification of needs, importance of strict social norms and values, hardwork, discipline

Question 10

What is the difference between culture and climate

Answer 10

Culture:

• beliefs stable and shared by every member of the org
• underlying values and beliefs

Climate:

• Individual perception of how good you think working somewhere is
• influences productivity and performance
• situational

Culture influences climate