Organizational Culture
Definition
“Organizational culture refers to a system of shared norms, beliefs, values, and assumptions which binds people together, thereby creating shared meanings.” (Larson, 2011)
Summary
In the article, Organizational Culture, Linda Simmons discusses the many facets of organizational culture. She talks about how organizational culture can be styled as an artichoke. You have to peel back the layers in order to get to the heart. She stated that “discerning the organizational culture is a first step toward understanding many attributes of the organization, including its most important quality—performance. In addition, the positioning and location of the multiple layers in an organization’s culture affects performance” (Simmons, 1996, p. 105).
This is the same way that an organization needs to be viewed because you can look at an organization from the outside, but never see the heart. You should be able the see the heart of the company in their employees. She has conducted studies for many years trying to determine organizational culture.
Discussion
Organizational culture is a very fascinating topic to discuss. After reading the article by Simmons, I couldn’t help but to think of the company that I am currently working. I am a receptionist for the company, so the first person that many people meet is me. I can help make their day or help make them miserable. I have to treat people the way that I want to be treated; but sometimes I get some very negative responses because I work in a property tax office. One thing that I know about the office that I work in is that there is no happy medium. No one wants to get to know the next person and it is very discouraging. The office that I used to work with was a very family-oriented place to work at. One thing that Simmons wrote was, “a muddled vision precedes a muddled culture” (Simmons, 1996, p. 105). We know that everyone will not have the same beliefs, norms, or values; but it is best displayed when
“Organizational culture refers to a system of shared norms, beliefs, values, and assumptions which binds people together, thereby creating shared meanings.” (Larson, 2011)
Summary
In the article, Organizational Culture, Linda Simmons discusses the many facets of organizational culture. She talks about how organizational culture can be styled as an artichoke. You have to peel back the layers in order to get to the heart. She stated that “discerning the organizational culture is a first step toward understanding many attributes of the organization, including its most important quality—performance. In addition, the positioning and location of the multiple layers in an organization’s culture affects performance” (Simmons, 1996, p. 105).
This is the same way that an organization needs to be viewed because you can look at an organization from the outside, but never see the heart. You should be able the see the heart of the company in their employees. She has conducted studies for many years trying to determine organizational culture.
Discussion
Organizational culture is a very fascinating topic to discuss. After reading the article by Simmons, I couldn’t help but to think of the company that I am currently working. I am a receptionist for the company, so the first person that many people meet is me. I can help make their day or help make them miserable. I have to treat people the way that I want to be treated; but sometimes I get some very negative responses because I work in a property tax office. One thing that I know about the office that I work in is that there is no happy medium. No one wants to get to know the next person and it is very discouraging. The office that I used to work with was a very family-oriented place to work at. One thing that Simmons wrote was, “a muddled vision precedes a muddled culture” (Simmons, 1996, p. 105). We know that everyone will not have the same beliefs, norms, or values; but it is best displayed when
References: Brady, W.H., & Haley, S. (2013). Storytelling Defines Your Organizational Culture. The Presbyterian Odyssey, 40-43. Retrieved from: http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy. liberty.edu:2048/ps/i.do?action=interpret&id=GALE%7CA317784082&v=2.1& u=vicliberty&it=r&p=ITOF&sw=w&authCount=1 Larson, E. &. (2011). Project Management: The Managerial Process. New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin. Martin, P. (2004). Organizational Culture. Encyclopedia of Nursing Research, 426-427. Retrieved from: http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/ 189450096/fulltextPDF?accountid=12085. Simmons, L. C. (1996). Organizational Culture. Mortgage Banking, 105. Retrieved from: http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/234928963/fulltext PDF?accountid=12085