Elements of Organizational Culture

Organizational Culture

Organizational  culture  is  an  idea  in  the  field  of  organizational  studies  and management which describes the psychology, attitudes, experiences, beliefs and values (personal and cultural values) of an organization. It has been defined as "the specific collection of values and norms that are shared by people and groups in an organization and that control the way they interact with each other and with stakeholders outside the organization."

Elements of Organizational Culture

Johnson and Scholes described a cultural web, identifying a number of elements that can be used to describe or influence Organizational Culture.

a) Stories: The past events and people talked about inside and outside the company. Who and what the company chooses to immortalize says a great deal about what it values, and perceives as great behaviour.

b)  Rituals and Routines: The daily behaviour and actions of people that signal acceptable behaviour. This determines what is expected to happen in given situations, and what is valued by management.

c) Symbols: The visual representations of the company including logos, how plush the offices are, and the formal or informal dress codes.

d)   Organizational Structure: This includes both the structure defined by the organization chart, and the unwritten lines of power and influence that indicate whose contributions are most valued.

e)   Control Systems: The ways that the organization is controlled. These include financial systems, quality systems, and rewards (including the way they are measured and distributed within the organization.)

f)  Power Structures: The pockets of real power in the company. This may involve one or two key senior executives, a whole group of executives, or even a department. The key is that these people have the greatest amount of influence on decisions, operations, and strategic direction.