Class 10: Organizational Culture

Artifacts

Aspects of an organization's culture that are visible or easily talked about by employees and outsiders.

Espoused Values

The beliefs, philosophies, and norms that a company explicitly states, including mission statements, core values, and visions.

Basic Assumptions

Implicit, taken-for-granted beliefs of employees that manifest in espoused values and artifacts.

Symbols

The images and logos an organization uses to represent itself.

Physical Structures

The architecture and design of buildings and office spaces within an organization.

Languages

Phrases, slogans, and other forms of communication used by an organization.

Stories

Anecdotes, legends, and myths that are shared within an organization.

Ceremonies

Formal events performed in front of organizational members.

Culture as Competitive Advantage

How organizational culture can differentiate an organization from others and attract and retain employees.

Culture as a Liability

The potential negative effects of organizational culture, such as limiting diversity of thought and making adaptation to the environment more difficult.

Strong Culture

A culture where values are shared and viewed as extremely important by members, leading to feelings of "fit" and cohesion.

Weak Culture

A culture where values are fragmented or weakly held, leading to proactivity and initiative but also role ambiguity and stress.

Organizational Control

The function of organizational culture in integrating and aligning members and ensuring adaptation to the external environment.

Glue that Holds Employees Together

How organizational culture provides social safety and a sense of identity for employees.