American Red Cross - 1
Abstract
As part of a worldwide movement the American Red Cross offers care and hope to victims of war, poverty and natural disasters, and, as such it is with great anticipation that I will undertake the task of researching from various sources, and presenting its history, philosophy, mission, vision and value statement. Among this, I will briefly describe the culture of the organization, noting whether the organization’s espoused values align with its enacted values. I will also address the extent to which organizational culture is determined by communication or lack thereof and the role communication plays in perception and organizational culture. I will also explain how misalignment between espoused values and enacted values affect perceptions within an organization. Lastly, I will identify the role of conflict in group communication, and explain how the organization might use conflict to improve communication within and among groups.
History and Culture
The American Red Cross owns and continues to build a very long and rich history. Upon its founding in 1881 by Clara Barton who was undoubtedly a visionary leader, the organization quickly became and has remained arguably in my opinion one of, if not America’s most successful emergency responders. Over the years the organization has not only sought to relieve but also to prevent suffering by taking a proactive approach in dealing with a perceived and impending crisis.
According to the organization, “prior to the First World War, it introduced its first aid, water safety and public health nursing programs. With the outbreak of war, the organization experienced great growth and recognition resulting in an increase of local chapters from 107 in 1914 to 3,864 in 1918 and realizing an increase in adult membership from 17,000 to more than 20 million as well as 11 million juniors all of whom were made aware of the organization’s tenets or culture of putting people first regardless, but signed on
As part of a worldwide movement the American Red Cross offers care and hope to victims of war, poverty and natural disasters, and, as such it is with great anticipation that I will undertake the task of researching from various sources, and presenting its history, philosophy, mission, vision and value statement. Among this, I will briefly describe the culture of the organization, noting whether the organization’s espoused values align with its enacted values. I will also address the extent to which organizational culture is determined by communication or lack thereof and the role communication plays in perception and organizational culture. I will also explain how misalignment between espoused values and enacted values affect perceptions within an organization. Lastly, I will identify the role of conflict in group communication, and explain how the organization might use conflict to improve communication within and among groups.
History and Culture
The American Red Cross owns and continues to build a very long and rich history. Upon its founding in 1881 by Clara Barton who was undoubtedly a visionary leader, the organization quickly became and has remained arguably in my opinion one of, if not America’s most successful emergency responders. Over the years the organization has not only sought to relieve but also to prevent suffering by taking a proactive approach in dealing with a perceived and impending crisis.
According to the organization, “prior to the First World War, it introduced its first aid, water safety and public health nursing programs. With the outbreak of war, the organization experienced great growth and recognition resulting in an increase of local chapters from 107 in 1914 to 3,864 in 1918 and realizing an increase in adult membership from 17,000 to more than 20 million as well as 11 million juniors all of whom were made aware of the organization’s tenets or culture of putting people first regardless, but signed on
References: AACN Bold Voices, 2012 Jan; 4 (1): 17 (journal article - brief item, pictorial) Retrieve March 16, 2012) Beebe, Steven A, & Masterson, John, P, (2009) Communicating in Small Groups, Principles and Practices, Ninth Edition. Retrieve March 15, 2012 Sebastian, Steven J.; McCurry, Alan; McDonald, Robert P. GAO Reports, 5/30/2006, p1, 39p, 4 Black and White Photographs, 1 Diagram, 3 Charts Retrieve March 16, 2012 www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/ Retrieve March 15 - 16, 2012