Culture Flashcards
What is organisational culture?
A system of shared meanings and beliefs within an organisation that determine how employees act.
What is the process in which people perceive culture?
Socialisation: This is the process in which people learn and accept the following attitudes, knowledge, and behaviours for the workplace.
How do people perceive culture? Provide examples in which allows individuals to view cultural references in the workplace.
Training opportunities:
- employees are provided with objectives, and guided to how work is completed.
- states what is expected of the individual from the organisation.
Informally through communication with colleagues/bosses/managers:
- this can occur through normal conversation, as they emphasise what the organisation’s beliefs and values are.
- role model: expected behaviours.
Environment/symbols:
- the setting around them can be formal, such as dress code- the need to dress appropriately.
- being on time may be a specific value especially important.
- a company slogan/motto can emphasise a certain belief.
What comes with accepting the organisational culture?
Individuals are able to:
- feel a sense of belongingness.
- higher satisfaction at work.
- increased performance.
- lower absenteeism.
What is the difference between strong and weak cultures? State the characteristics of each.
Strong cultures:
- Majority of employees accept the organisation’s beliefs, attitudes, and commitments.
- Creates loyalty.
- Motivated workers: increase in performance and behaviour.
- Strengthens teamwork: more cooperative, builds stronger relationships.
Weak cultures:
- Lack of acceptance/agreement of values from employees
- Low motivation.
- Disatisfaction.
- Higher turnover, absenteeism.
What are the types of cultures and their differences?
Dominant culture: the general and overall views of the organisation: their beliefs, values, and attitudes.
Subculture: the core values, but also additional values that may be underrated/underappreciated by the majority of those in the dominant culture- is unique to their subculture.
Counterculture: those whose beliefs do not align with the dominant culture, and believe the opposite.
