Managing the External Environment and Organizational Culture – Notes

What is the omnipotent view of management?

Managers are directly responsible for an organization’s success or failure.

What is the symbolic view of management?

Success or failure is mainly due to external forces outside managers’ control.

What are the two main types of managerial constraints?

External constraints (environment) and Internal constraints (organizational culture).

What are the 6 components of the external environment?

Economic, Demographic, Political/Legal, Sociocultural, Technological, Global

What is environmental uncertainty?

The degree of change (stable → dynamic) and complexity (simple → complex) in the environment.

Look At page 18

Look At page 18

Who are stakeholders?

Constituencies affected by an organization’s decisions and actions (includes Primary & Secondary stakeholders).

What are the benefits of good stakeholder relationships?

Predictable environmental changes, more successful innovations, increased trust, and greater flexibility.

List some primary stakeholders

List some secondary stakeholders

Define organizational culture.

The shared values, principles, traditions, and ways of doing things that influence members’ behavior.

What are the 3 key aspects of culture?

Culture is a perception, descriptive, and shared

What is the difference between strong and weak cultures?

• Strong: widely shared values, consistent messages, employees identify with culture.

• Weak: limited values, contradictory messages, little employee connection.

Where does culture usually come from?

The vision of the founders.

What are some ways employees learn culture?

Stories, Rituals, Material symbols, Language.

How does culture affect managers?

It constrains what they can and cannot do, shaping their decisions and management style.

: How can managers create a customer-responsive culture?

• Hire customer-oriented employees.

• Reduce rigid rules.

• Empower employees.

• Provide training and role clarity.

• Listen to the desire of customers.

What is workplace spirituality?

A culture promoting purpose through meaningful work in a community context.

What are the characteristics of a spiritual organization?

Strong purpose, focus on individual development, trust and openness, employee empowerment, tolerance of expression.

Name companies known for workplace spirituality.

Ford, Build-A-Bear,