Organizational Culture - Boston College

Organizational Culture The Crossroads of Organizational Behavior Organizational Culture What is an Organizations culture? A shared pattern of beliefs, assumptions and expectations held by organization members. Often called an organizations personality Informs us of what to believe, how to act and make

decisions Guides members in how to perceive the artifacts, environment, norms, roles, values and physical cues The strategy, leadership style and ways of accomplishing tasks reflect organization culture Organizational Culture Why is this topic important? Helps you assess career opportunities and how you might fit into an organization

Helps you assess how to succeed within an organization or whether it is possible Organizational Culture Characteristics of cultures Collective, evolves over time (thin to thick)

Results from interaction by organizational members Reflects what members agree about Can create social order Helps members construct proper attitudes and behaviors Contributes to socialization of new members Enhances member feeling of belonging and commitment. Organizational Culture Diagnosing Organizational Culture - Three factors determine how influential a culture will be in shaping attitudes and behaviors

Strength of shared beliefs. The stronger the beliefs, the stronger the culture, exists on a continuum from thick to thin Widely shared values, across organizational members have a powerful effect. Exists on a continuum from widely shared to not widely shared Clearly ordered values and beliefs, that are easy to adhere to and guide behavior in conflict situations, exists on a continuum from clearly ordered to ambiguous Organizational Culture Deciphering an Organizations Culture

Highly interpretive and subjective Requires insights into historical and current activities Cannot rely on what is verbally reported, need to verify Start with values, the essence of organizational philosophy Managerial culture is defined by the leadership style Organizational heroes personify the value system Rites and rituals are reflected by language and ceremonies

Cultural symbols are the material artifacts Organizational Culture Other Aspects of Culture Subcultures, multiple cultures exist within organizations Typically one dominant culture