* Ch. 10: How much do you think it is possible for an outsider to discern about the underlying cultural values of an organization by analyzing symbols, ceremonies, dress, or other observable aspects of culture, compared to an insider with several years of work experience? Select a percentage (e.g., 10%, 70%) and discuss your reasoning.
Discerning an organizations’ culture can be done externally with the appropriate information. Given the wealth of information available in today’s advanced society, an outsider can easily find out about a company’s financial and competitive standing. However, being able to discern a company’s cultural value requires more insight. In an article by Dorian LaGuardia, the author explains how one can distinguish an organization’s culture:
Defining an organization's culture requires being able to identify common organizational references. For example, how do employees describe their colleagues? What are some of the common phrases or stories they tell each other? Such depictions as ‘bureaucratic’ or ‘people are not valued for their experience and expertise’ become a common reference point for interpreting culture whether or not they are accurate. (LaGuardia, 2008, pg 1)
Roughly, 70% of organizations cultural values can be discerned by an outsider without any inside involvement. The textbook states “to identify and interpret culture requires that people make inferences based on observable artifacts” (Daft, 2013, pg 392). Observable artifacts include an organization’s business and financial state online and view the company’s website for other detailed information. There are also news articles about the company that could be included in the research. One could also research the organization’s owner to gain further insight into the cultural values affecting how the organization is run. “Organizational culture is shaped by the leader's values, which selectively direct and influence its development” (McMurray, A. J., 2003). Knowing...