Ch 8.7 Flashcards
How can you diagnose an organization’s culture?
Culture can be diagnosed by examining symbols, rituals, and stories that communicate and reinforce the company’s values.
What is the role of symbols in organizational culture?
Symbols, like IBM’s “respect for the individual” or Chaparral Steel’s HR office layout, reflect and reinforce cultural values within the company.
How do rituals reflect a company’s culture?
Rituals, like Coast Capital Savings’ employee recognition event or Disney’s employee picnics, showcase company values such as fun, light-heartedness, and peer-oriented culture.
How do performance reviews function as rituals?
Performance reviews may either provide feedback and development or act as a punishment, depending on the company’s culture.
How do stories communicate culture in organizations?
Organizations use stories to share core values.
What common themes appear in organizational stories?
Stories often explore themes like:
Is the boss human?
Can anyone rise to the top?
Will I be fired?
How will mistakes be handled?
How do stories relate to organizational values?
Stories often have a “good” and “bad” version, showing core values like fairness, control, and security, such as Ray Kroc’s story about a franchise being canceled due to a single fly.
