chapter 8: social influence, socialization, and culture

Question 1

Organizational culture

Answer 1

consists of:

s​hared beliefs

values

assumptions

–> ​that exist in an organization

o​rganizational culture is what defines the organization and it is what the company stands for

Question 2

how are organization norms determined?

Answer 2

with the organization’s shared beliefs, values and assumptions

Question 3

what do organization norms lead to regarding employees, management, customers, etc.

Answer 3

patterns of behavior

Question 4

what are the fundamental characteristics of organizational culture?

Answer 4

It represents a true “way of life” for organizational members

its influence is often taken for granted

It tends to be fairly stable over time

once established, it can persist despite turnover among
organizational members (providing social continuity)

Culture can have a strong impact on both organizational performance and member satisfaction

Question 5

what are subcultures?

Answer 5

smaller cultures developed within a larger organizational culture

b​ased on differences in training, occupation, or departmental goals

Question 6

why do effective organizations develop an overarching culture?

Answer 6

to manage differences between subcultures

Question 7

what is a strong culture?

Answer 7

an organizational culture with intense & pervasive beliefs, values, & assumptions

they are associated with greater success and effectiveness

Question 8

what does a strong culture provide consensus about?

Answer 8

provides great consensus concerning “what the organization is about” or what it stands for

(think on Disney)

Question 9

in which type of cultures are beliefs, values’ and assumptions less structured?

why?

Answer 9

in weak cultures

Weak cultures are fragmented and have less impact on organizational members

Question 10

does an organization have to be big to have a strong culture?

Answer 10

nah boy

Question 11

do strong cultures result in blind conformity?

Answer 11

nah boy

Question 12

what are assets (advantages) of strong cultures?

Answer 12

coordination

conflict resolution

financial success

Question 13

assets of strong cultures:

coordination

Answer 13

overarching​values & assumptions that facilitate the coordination of different parts of the organization

Different parts of the organization can learn from each other and can coordinate their efforts

trying to keep everybody in the loop

Question 14

assets of strong cultures:

conflict resolution

Answer 14

s​haring core values​is a powerful mechanism that facilitate conflict resolution

Question 15

assets of strong cultures:

financial success

Answer 15

strong cultures contribute to financial success

to do so, the culture supports the mission, strategy & goals of the organization

Question 16

what are liabilities of strong cultures?

Answer 16

Resistance to change

Culture clash/conflict

Pathology

Question 17

explain the culture clash/conflict asa liability of strong culture?

Answer 17

can mix badly when a merger or acquisition pushes two of them together under the same corporate banner

(you think you are right, so the other is wrong)

Question 18

how can resistance to change be a liability?

Answer 18

can damage a firm’s ability to innovate

Question 19

explain the concept of pathology as a strong culture liability

Answer 19

strong culture can sometimes support the following:

friction

secrecy

paranoia

Question 20

what are two key factors that contribute to the foundation & continuation of organizational cultures?

Answer 20

The founder’s role

Socialization​ (learning by being around of the people)

Question 21

The founder’s role in the foundation & continuation of organizational cultures

Answer 21

Strong cultures r​eflect the values of an organization’s founder

Top management​ strongly shapes ​an organization’s culture

Question 22

what is a setback between a founder and management regarding the organizational culture?

Answer 22

Sometimes the culture begun by the founder can cause conflict when top management wishes to see an organization change direction

Question 23

socialization in the foundation & continuation of organizational cultures

Answer 23

Socialization is one of the primary means by which individuals can learn the culture’s beliefs, values, & assumptions

Organizations with strong cultures go to g​reat pains​to expose employees to a careful, step-by-step socialization process

Question 24

which are the socialization steps in strong cultures?

Answer 24

Step 1: Selecting Employees

Step 2: Debasement (undoing) & Hazing

Step 3: Training “in the Trenches”

Step 4: Reward and Promotion

Step 5: Exposure to Core Culture

Step 6: Reinforcing Folklore

Step 7: Role Models

Question 25

what is it abouts the steps to develop a strong culture that make allow them to develop a strong culture?

Answer 25

the c​onsistency​ among these steps & their mutually reinforcing properties

Question 26

how can you learn about organizational culture?

Answer 26

​examining ​the s​ymbols, rituals, and stories ​that characterize the organization’s way of life

they reinforce the company’s culture

Question 27

symbols

Answer 27

strong indicators or corporate culture

provide common meaning​and reinforce cultural values

what the company considers important

ex: ​corporate motto or mascot

Question 28

rituals

Answer 28

expressive events that define & build the culture

They send a cultural message & convey the essence of a culture

Question 29

what are some examples of rituals

Answer 29

parties

recognition awards events

employee nights

Question 30

Stories (f​olklore of organizations)

Answer 30

s​tories about past organizational events

a common aspect of culture

Stories & anecdotes are told repeatedly across generations of employees to communicate informally “how things work”

They reflect the uniqueness of organizational cultures