E2 - C3 - Culture and Conflict

Question 1

Elements of Organisational Culture (4)

Answer 1

Attitudes
Norms
Values
Expectations

Question 2

Cultural influences on an organisation (6)

Answer 2

Action orientation
Centralised or decentralised decisions
Treatment of staff
Customers/Products
Innovations
Future strategies

Question 3

Ways cultural issues can be addressed (5)

Answer 3

Change in management
Ethical programs
Quality management
HR programs
Change of strategy

Question 4

Advantages of strong culture (6)

Answer 4

Minimises perceived differences
Reinforces values
Communication is more effective
Directs formation of strategy
Regulates norms and behaviour
Sense of belonging

Question 5

Disadvantages of strong culture (4)

Answer 5

Conflict between cultures
Blind to outside changes
May promote negative values
Difficult to change

Question 6

Edgar Schein’s 3 mechanisms

Answer 6

Artefacts
Espoused Values
Basic Assumptions

Question 7

Cultural Influences (6)

Answer 7

Size
History
Ownership
Age
Technology
Diversity

Question 8

Signs of conflict (5)

Answer 8

Poor communication
Frustration amongst workers
Jealousy between groups
Moaning during meetings
High staff turnover

Question 9

Sources of conflict (7)

Answer 9

Misunderstandings
Change
Limited resources
Stress and Failure
Interdependencies
History
Differences

Question 10

Consequences of conflict (3)

Answer 10

Cooperation suffers
Time and effort wasted
Reduces focus on goals

Question 11

Types of Conflict (4)

Answer 11

Horizontal
Vertical
Destructive
Constructive

Question 12

Thames-Killman Conflict handling model (5)

Answer 12

Competing
Avoiding
Accommodating
Compromising
Collaborating

Question 13

Other conflict handling strategies (6)

Answer 13

Confrontation
Third party consultation
Arbitration
Member rotation
Industrial tribunal
Training