3) Organisational culture Flashcards
What is the definition of “Culture”? According to Hofstede
the collective mental programming that distinguishes one group of people from another
What are the different layers of culture? (Cultural onion, Hofstede)
1) Symbols (Outer layer)
2) Heroes
3) Rituals
4) Values (Inner layer)
What do we mean when we talk about cultural Symbols? (Hofstede)
Symbols are visible to all, in the form of gestures, logos, sense of humor, clothing, hairstyle, use of media, flags, or objects – whose underlying meaning is only understood by members of the culture.
In special: space, time, and language
What are aspects of Cultural > Symbolic > Space? (Hofstede)
Buildings speak volumes about organizational culture. How space is put to use serves as an insight into the type of organization and work processes concerned. Symbolic aspects of space include:
1) building’s architecture and environment (location);
2) the interior, with factors like accessibility, size, color schemes, and office layout playing
a role.
What are aspects of Cultural > Symbolic > Time? (Hofstede)
The way in which an organization arranges time says much about the meaning of the function and nature of the work. Symbolic aspects of time include:
1) function’s temporal boundaries (clear division between work/non-work or continuous
service) ;
2) the flexibility/rigidity of the timetable;
3) the starting hours.
What do we mean by a person’s Sequential Perception of time?
And name an example country/continent.
A person’s perception of time is sequential if time governs their life:
Time is seen as a kind of finite resource, which should be put to the most efficient use. This perception of time prevails in many Northern and Western countries, such as the
Netherlands; it emphasizes the importance of meeting deadlines and arriving on time. People usually only do one job at a time.
What do we mean by a person’s Synchronous perception of time?
And name an example country/continent
A synchronous perception of time sees time as a more relative concept, ‘flexible’, in a sense. There are no strict or precise units of time in this perception of time.
Examples of countries whose inhabitants view time from a synchronous perspective are Latin American, African, and many Asian countries. This perception of time is also found in Europe, with Spain, Portugal, and Greece being examples.
What are aspects of Cultural > Symbolic > Language? (Hofstede)
Symbolic aspects of language include:
1) influence, which can be exerted in many ways, ranging in directness, subtlety, conviction, or threat;
2) identity, which can be expressed through language in the form of a community’s
distinctiveness.
What do we mean when we talk about cultural Heroes? (Hofstede)
The second layer is known as the layer of heroes, usually, people who are or have been in
high standing in the organization. This standing may result from leadership, charisma,
effectiveness, or entrepreneurship. Examples are Steve Jobs for Apple.
Heroes can be living as well as deceased – or even fictional
What do we mean when we talk about cultural Rituals? (Hofstede)
Rituals are performed because they simply have to be: they are part of the usual
way of life. Examples of organizational rituals are birthday celebrations, greetings, different
receptions, morning workouts, and working pace.
What do we mean when we talk about cultural Values? (Hofstede)
Part of an organization’s values is its notions of right and wrong, standard and
non-standard, usual and unusual. Openness or lack therefore towards others is also a part of an organization’s values.
Name 4 positive effects on organizational culture
1) Commitment
2) Standardization
3) Internal security
4) External force
Describe Commitment as a positive effect in organizational culture
a clear and powerful culture helps to create commitment among the
employees in an organization. They are part of something and are proud to be part of it.
Employees exude this commitment both internally and externally.
Describe Standardization as a positive effect in organizational culture
shared norms and values help to create a situation of improved, more
efficient collaboration. Employee behavior becomes predictable, in a sense. From this
perspective, culture has the role of an ‘invisible’ coordinating mechanism.
Describe Internal security as a positive effect in organizational culture
since behavior, notions, norms, and values are shared and predictable, a
sense of security and calmness emerges in the organization. Employees know where they
stand with each other and know how to respond to particular issues.
Describe external force as a positive effect in organizational culture
the presence of a clear and powerful internal culture also has external
advantages. Employees who are proud to be part of an organization exude this pride to
their contacts outside the organization as well. The outside world is presented with an
image of what the organization represents and how it deals with particular issues
Name 4 Levels of culture (Not Layers from the onion)
1) national culture
2) Business/industry culture
3) Corporate culture
4) Individual behavior
