Building a Strong Organizational Culture

Question 1

What is organizational culture?

Answer 1

1. Shared view of the way the world operates.
2. Shared view of the problem solving methods that work best.
3. Important to distinguish deeper aspects of the culture from its artifacts.

Question 2

Advantages of a strong culture.

Answer 2

Reduces costs of frequent monitoring.
Enables stability.
Increases alignment.

Question 3

Radical Transparency

Answer 3

Continual and Honest Feedback.
Recordings of Meetings.

Question 4

Understanding the ‘machine’

Answer 4

Constant improvement & learning.
Principles and rules guiding both people and processes.

Question 5

Consequences for Radical Transparency

Answer 5

Positive: Personal improvement, Learning of skills, Accountability, Know where you stand, Understand organizational priorities and operating principles.

Negative: Can ruin confidence, Aggressive environment, Cult-Like Environment, Distinction between personal & professional blurred, Low privacy.

Question 6

Alternatives to Radical Transparency

Answer 6

1. Well thought out performance reviews.
2. De-personalized reviews of key decisions.
3. One on one mentoring/training.

Question 7

Hierarchy

Answer 7

Advantages:
Quick resolution of Conflict
Quicker Decision Making
Can motivate employees.
Can facilitate control & Coordination.

Disadvantages:
Silencing Power of Hierarchies
Stifling of Innovation
Those in power drive the agenda
Sense of powerlessness & alienation

Question 8

Lack of Formal Hierarchy Can Lead to:

Answer 8

1. Informal hierarchies can be as stifling as formal ones.
2. Advocacy for ideas (rather than inquiry)
3. Coalition forming
4. Difficulties when there are limited resources.

Question 9

When are hierarchies useful?

Answer 9

1. Stable and less complex business environments.
2. When leaders are chosed well.
3. When there is merit based mobility.

Question 10

Framework for understanding culture development.

Answer 10

ASA
Attrition - people who don’t fit move on
Selection - only few are selected
Attraction - only certain people apply

All attribute to group culture.