Table of contents
Content
1. Edward Hall (Iceberg analogy of organization culture
2. QUESTION 2
3. QUESTION 3
4. QUESTION4
5. QUESTION 5
6. QUESTION 6
7. REFERENCES
1|Page
, QUESTION 1
Edward Hall developed the Iceberg analogy of organizational culture in 1976. By
making use of this analogy, explain the organizational culture of Walmart. In your
answer, you need to briefly explain the various layers of organizational culture,
and then apply it to Walmart. (6 marks, of which 1 mark will be awarded for the
correct explanation of each layer of organizational culture and 1 mark forapplying
it to Walmart for each layer)
Edward T. Hall proposed in 1976 that culture was like an iceberg. He argued that culture
has two components, and that only around 10% of culture (external or surface culture) is
plainly apparent, while the remainder (internal or deep culture) is concealed under the
surface. The following are quick explanations of the various layers:
The external, or conscious, part of culture is what we can see and is the tip of the iceberg
and includes behaviors and some beliefs. The internal, or subconscious, part of culture
is below the surface of a society and includes some beliefs and the values and thought
patterns that underlie behavior.
Artifacts that can be seen. Artifacts may be found all over the place and are apparent
throughout the organization. Instrumentality, aesthetics, and symbolism are three
essential qualities of artefacts. Walmart's mission is to provide exceptional customer
service, establish a terrific front-line work environment, and enhance performance in
order to save people money so that they may live better lives.
Espoused values and norms. This refers to a set of beliefs and conventions shared by
individuals and groups who collaborate. This also involves organizational values and
actions. Walmart's principles include customer service, respect for individuals, striving for
excellence, and acting with honesty. Walmart supports an integrity culture, which is
supported by global ethics. Walmart adheres to their ethical behavior principles in all of
their locations.
Taken-for-granted assumptions. Organizational artifacts, values, and norms generate
assumptions that influence how workers work inside an organization. When a solution to
a problem works frequently, it becomes assumed. For example, Walmart is guided by
the ideals of a winning work environment, authenticity, and better experience.
Question 2
2.1 Define the concept absorptive capacity. (2 marks)
Absorptive capacity is defined as the ability to recognize the value of new external knowledge,
assimilate it, and apply it to commercial ends (Cohen and Levinthal, 1990). Key antecedents
discerned influencing absorptive capacity are both prior related knowledge (including basic skills and
learning experience) and organizational factors, such as the structure of communication and
distribution of knowledge. Several social science disciplines like psychology, sociology, economics
Content
1. Edward Hall (Iceberg analogy of organization culture
2. QUESTION 2
3. QUESTION 3
4. QUESTION4
5. QUESTION 5
6. QUESTION 6
7. REFERENCES
1|Page
, QUESTION 1
Edward Hall developed the Iceberg analogy of organizational culture in 1976. By
making use of this analogy, explain the organizational culture of Walmart. In your
answer, you need to briefly explain the various layers of organizational culture,
and then apply it to Walmart. (6 marks, of which 1 mark will be awarded for the
correct explanation of each layer of organizational culture and 1 mark forapplying
it to Walmart for each layer)
Edward T. Hall proposed in 1976 that culture was like an iceberg. He argued that culture
has two components, and that only around 10% of culture (external or surface culture) is
plainly apparent, while the remainder (internal or deep culture) is concealed under the
surface. The following are quick explanations of the various layers:
The external, or conscious, part of culture is what we can see and is the tip of the iceberg
and includes behaviors and some beliefs. The internal, or subconscious, part of culture
is below the surface of a society and includes some beliefs and the values and thought
patterns that underlie behavior.
Artifacts that can be seen. Artifacts may be found all over the place and are apparent
throughout the organization. Instrumentality, aesthetics, and symbolism are three
essential qualities of artefacts. Walmart's mission is to provide exceptional customer
service, establish a terrific front-line work environment, and enhance performance in
order to save people money so that they may live better lives.
Espoused values and norms. This refers to a set of beliefs and conventions shared by
individuals and groups who collaborate. This also involves organizational values and
actions. Walmart's principles include customer service, respect for individuals, striving for
excellence, and acting with honesty. Walmart supports an integrity culture, which is
supported by global ethics. Walmart adheres to their ethical behavior principles in all of
their locations.
Taken-for-granted assumptions. Organizational artifacts, values, and norms generate
assumptions that influence how workers work inside an organization. When a solution to
a problem works frequently, it becomes assumed. For example, Walmart is guided by
the ideals of a winning work environment, authenticity, and better experience.
Question 2
2.1 Define the concept absorptive capacity. (2 marks)
Absorptive capacity is defined as the ability to recognize the value of new external knowledge,
assimilate it, and apply it to commercial ends (Cohen and Levinthal, 1990). Key antecedents
discerned influencing absorptive capacity are both prior related knowledge (including basic skills and
learning experience) and organizational factors, such as the structure of communication and
distribution of knowledge. Several social science disciplines like psychology, sociology, economics
