L6M5 3.1 CRITICALLY ASSESS THE CONCEPT OF
ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE
Define Organisational Culture - Answers - a pattern of belief and expectations shared by
organisational members or 'the way things are done around here'
What were the 3 levels of organisational culture described by Schein? - Answers - 1.
Artefacts 2. Espoused values 3. Underlying assumptions
What is meant by organisational culture in terms of artefacts? - Answers - This is the
physical manifestation of culture like office furnishings, dress code, greeting at reception
and the paintings and office notices.
What is meant by organisational culture in terms of espoused values? - Answers -
Company straplines, product slogans, mission statement & operational practices.
What is meant by organisational culture in terms of underlying assumptions? - Answers
- Those not physically visible but reinforced by unspoken rules & assumptions made
through decisions at all levels.
70% is the change project failure rate. Name 6 reasons why change projects fail. -
Answers - Lack of alignment of organisational objectives. Changing context. Poor
leadership. Budget. Overruns. Defective outcomes.
Hammer & Champgny gave 3 reasons why the 70% failure rate is erroneous. What are
they? - Answers - Incorrect comparison of change projects & success factors. Hard to
define success as it can take years so timeframes aren't helpful. Such a high rate would
suggest 70% of change managers and CEO's are failures.
How can procurement ensure they take a proactive role in projects that affect the supply
chain? - Answers - Take action to ensure internal policies support the project
deliverables, make sure disputes are dealt with quickly. Make sure risk mitigation
strategies are in place so the project team can navigate project challenges.
Name 7 factors that are key influences in the development of any organisational culture
- Answers - History - founders & any mergers. Primary function technology. Strategy - ie
sustainability. Size - large equals formal. Location - geographical affects type of staff
and suppliers. Management & leadership. Performance measures - quantitive; sales or
qualitative.
How does the primary function & technology of a business influence its culture? -
Answers - It the range & quality of what's manufactured, the processes and the
reputation of the business which will largely influence culture; think John Lewis. Lots of
contact with suppliers would indicate a high degree of collaboration.
ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE
Define Organisational Culture - Answers - a pattern of belief and expectations shared by
organisational members or 'the way things are done around here'
What were the 3 levels of organisational culture described by Schein? - Answers - 1.
Artefacts 2. Espoused values 3. Underlying assumptions
What is meant by organisational culture in terms of artefacts? - Answers - This is the
physical manifestation of culture like office furnishings, dress code, greeting at reception
and the paintings and office notices.
What is meant by organisational culture in terms of espoused values? - Answers -
Company straplines, product slogans, mission statement & operational practices.
What is meant by organisational culture in terms of underlying assumptions? - Answers
- Those not physically visible but reinforced by unspoken rules & assumptions made
through decisions at all levels.
70% is the change project failure rate. Name 6 reasons why change projects fail. -
Answers - Lack of alignment of organisational objectives. Changing context. Poor
leadership. Budget. Overruns. Defective outcomes.
Hammer & Champgny gave 3 reasons why the 70% failure rate is erroneous. What are
they? - Answers - Incorrect comparison of change projects & success factors. Hard to
define success as it can take years so timeframes aren't helpful. Such a high rate would
suggest 70% of change managers and CEO's are failures.
How can procurement ensure they take a proactive role in projects that affect the supply
chain? - Answers - Take action to ensure internal policies support the project
deliverables, make sure disputes are dealt with quickly. Make sure risk mitigation
strategies are in place so the project team can navigate project challenges.
Name 7 factors that are key influences in the development of any organisational culture
- Answers - History - founders & any mergers. Primary function technology. Strategy - ie
sustainability. Size - large equals formal. Location - geographical affects type of staff
and suppliers. Management & leadership. Performance measures - quantitive; sales or
qualitative.
How does the primary function & technology of a business influence its culture? -
Answers - It the range & quality of what's manufactured, the processes and the
reputation of the business which will largely influence culture; think John Lewis. Lots of
contact with suppliers would indicate a high degree of collaboration.
