What is a Corporate Culture?

Question 1

Definition Corporate Culture (Schein)

Answer 1

• pattern of shared basic assumption
• to solve problems with external adaption and internal integration
• worked well enough to be considered valid
• taught to new members as the correct way to perceive (wahrnehmen), think and feel

Question 2

Basic assumptions C.C.

Answer 2

• are not explicitly defined by contracts
• inform managers and employees
• constrain managers and employees in their decisions

Question 3

strong corporate culture

Answer 3

employees share a high and consistent amount of norms and values

Question 4

3 Levels of culture

Answer 4

Artifacts
Espoused Beliefs and Values
Basic Underlying Assumptions

Question 5

Artifacts

Answer 5

• visible and feelable structures and processes

- observed behavior

Question 6

Artifacts examples

Answer 6

• corporate logos ( iconic symbol,…)
• mission statements (Leitbilder)
• corporate architecture (stylish buildings, layout,…)
• Influence on behavior of employees (friendly,…)
• Symbols of organisational opulence(represents status)
• uniting symbols of corporate identity
• company history and buildings

Question 7

Linguistic Artifacts

Answer 7

• Metaphors

- Stories and Myths (Narratives of events)

Question 8

Behavioral Artifacts

Answer 8

• Ceremonies (celebrations of organizational culture,…)
• Rites and rituals
  
  • rites of passage
  • rites of questioning
  • rites of renewal

Question 9

Espoused Beliefs (Überzeugungen) and Values (Werte)

Answer 9

• ideals, goals, values, aspirations
• ideologies
• rationalizations

Question 10

Expoused Beliefs…

Answer 10

• remain conscious (bewusst bleiben)
• are explicitly articulated
• guide the group, reduce uncertainty
• train new members how to behave
• are often embodied in ideology or organizational philosophy

Question 11

Examples for Corporate Values

Answer 11

• respect
• honesty
• integrity
• innovation
• transparency
• diversity
• loyalty
• authenticity
• equality
• trust

Question 12

Norms and Values

Answer 12

Value:
Criterion according to which behavior can be evaluated
Norm:
Rule of conduct

Question 13

Example Norms and Values

Answer 13

Value: Gender equality
Norm: No sexist jokes should be told

Question 14

Norms and Values from an Economic Perspective

Answer 14

1. intrinsically anchored in an individuals preferences
   (personally care for fairness, honesty,…)
2. enforced extrinsically
   -> he will be rewarded when doing so or sanctioned when violating the norm
3. intrinsic preferences for conformity within a group
   -> preferences are influenced by watching colleagues behavior / they are imitated

Question 15

Basic Underlying Assumptions

Answer 15

• unconscious (unbewusst), taken for granted beliefs and values
• beliefs which solve problems repeatedly
• are difficult to change
• are rather unconscious
• define character and identity of a group
• are strongly held