Do you think it is possible for an outsider to accurately discern about the underlying cultural values of an organization
Nicholas Deray
Chapter 10: Do you think it is possible for an outsider to accurately discern about the underlying cultural values of an organization by analyzing symbols, ceremonies, dress, or other observable aspects of culture in comparison to an insider with several years of work experience? Select a percentage (e.g., 10%, 70%, etc.) and explain your reasoning.
Though it is possible for outsiders to come into an organization and identify the cultural values, it may be difficult for them to discern between informal and formal business values. Culture is an intangible part of the organization that is often felt as opposed to seen. One issue an outsider may have with judging the values based on formal values. A business for example could have high revenues, be highly efficient, and have a quality product but they may have miserable employees and have high employee turnover. There are, however, a few different parts of the organization that outsiders can observe that are easier to decipher.
The book’s first example of a more easily interpretable event is the organization’s ceremonies and rites. Outsiders could view events such as promotion ceremonies or new hire orientations to gain hints on what values the organization is trying to foster.
Another aspect of the organization that could give clues as to the cultural values is it’s stories. Oftentimes stories are told in order to spread or pass down the values that an organization holds.
Physical symbols are another factor that can help someone interpret an organization’s values. One example of this could be Southwest’s use of a heart as their logo. Their reasoning for this change in logo is to remind their employees as well as customers that they will put their hearts into every flight. The book uses Amazon as an example, citing their choice of materials to use as conference tables. The material is cheap, reminding employees that the employees should search for ways to save money in the organization.
Organizational structure is another indicator of underlying values. Rigid structures fraught with bureaucracy could be an indicator of how employees interact with each other and how they view their leadership.
The next is the power relationships within the organization. This is simply which departments or persons make decisions within the organization. The last is control systems which is just how the organization controls its operations.
I believe that an outsider could view most of these organizational aspects to get a decent understanding of the organization’s values, however, I think this information would only give them part of the story. Many of these aspects are management controlled, so only observing these aspects would only show what values the manager would like to see in their organization. Because of this, I would say that insiders must have an advantage in judging the organization’s true values. These are still good indicators so I would say an outsider could be around 60% correct in judging organizational values.
Each reply must be at least 400 words.
Answer preview to do you think it is possible for an outsider to accurately discern about the underlying cultural values of an organization
APA
591 words