Organizational Cultures

Organizational Culture:

The collection of shared beliefs, values, rituals, stories, myths, and specialized language that creates a common identity and sense of community. The “social glue” that binds an organization’s members together.

Characteristics of Organizational Cultures

Collective: Organizations are social entities.

Emotionally charged: The organization’s culture serves as a security blanket to its members.

Historically based: Trust and loyalty result from long-term organizational associations.

Inherently symbolic: Actions often speak louder than words.

Dynamic: Culture promotes stability and control.

Inherently fuzzy: Ambiguity, contradictions, and multiple meanings are part of culture.

Forms and Consequences of Organizational Cultures

Organizational values are shared beliefs about what the organization stands for. The degree of sharing and the degree of intensity determine whether an organization’s culture is strong or weak.

Forms and Consequences of Organizational Culture