Summary Chapter 6: Organizational Cultures and Diversity

Chapter 6: Organizational Cultures and Diversity Learning Objectives and Chapter Summary 1. DEFINE exactly what is meant by "organizational culture," and discuss the interaction between national and MNC culture. Organizational culture is a pattern of basic assumptions that are developed by a group as it learns to cope with its problems of external adaptation and internal integration and that are taught to new members as the correct way to perceive, think, and feel in relation to these problems. Some important characteristics of organizational culture include observed behavioral regularities, norms, dominant values, philosophy, rules, and organizational climate. 2. IDENTIFY the four most common categories of organizational culture that have been found through research, and discuss the characteristics of each. Organizational cultures are shaped by a number of factors. These include the general relationship between employees and their organization, the hierarchic system of authority that defines the roles of managers and subordinates, and the general views that employees hold about the organization’s purpose, destiny, goals, and their place in them. When examining these differences, Trompenaars had suggested the use of two continua: equity/hierarchy, and person/task orientation, resulting in four basic types of organizational cultures: family, Eiffel Tower, guided missile, and incubator. The family culture is characterized by a strong emphasis on hierarchic authority and orientation to the person. The Eiffel Tower culture is characterized by a strong emphasis on hierarchy and orientation to the task. The guided missile culture is characterized by a strong emphasis on equality in the workplace and orientation to the task. The incubator culture is characterized by a strong emphasis on equality and orientation to the person.