Apple's Company Culture

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Questions and Answers

In the context of organizational culture, what is the key difference between 'espoused values' and 'actual culture'?

  • Espoused values are those written in the company handbook, and actual culture is observed during external audits of the organization.
  • Espoused values are the results of employee surveys of company values, while actual culture is determined by management assessment.
  • Espoused values are the values that employees personally believe in, while actual culture is the values the organization promotes.
  • Espoused values are what the leadership says the company believes in, while actual culture is what employees experience daily. (correct)

According to the discussion, which of the following best describes the role of 'basic assumptions' in shaping organizational culture, as described by Schein?

  • Basic assumptions are values that are openly stated and promoted by leadership.
  • Basic assumptions are deeply held, often unconscious beliefs that guide behavior. (correct)
  • Basic assumptions are visible organizational artifacts like slogans and office spaces.
  • Basic assumptions are the rules, roles, and procedures that govern daily operations.

Based on the case discussion, what is the most significant risk when an organization's 'espoused values' do not align with its 'actual culture'?

  • A stronger, more unified sense of purpose among employees.
  • Increased innovation due to creative tension between values and practices.
  • Decreased employee motivation, engagement, and satisfaction. (correct)
  • Improved external reputation as the company is seen as aspirational.

According to the discussion, how does the cultural concept of 'challenging authority' relate to Schein's model of organizational culture?

<p>It reveals the deeper, often unconscious assumptions about power and hierarchy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Using Handy's cultural models, which type of culture is most likely to be characterized by bureaucracy, rules, and procedures?

<p>Role Culture (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the scenario, what is a potential negative consequence of a 'Power Culture' within an organization?

<p>Discouragement of questioning systems and a stressful environment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the discussion of organizational culture, how might visible aspects like slogans and office spaces relate to Schein's model?

<p>They are superficial artifacts that may or may not reflect deeper cultural realities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory relate to the discussion of organizational culture and motivation?

<p>It argues that culture-related stressors can negate motivators, impacting overall job satisfaction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can Adams' Equity Theory influence employee motivation in the context of organizational culture?

<p>By creating a culture where employees perceive fairness in how efforts are recognized and rewarded. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Vroom's Expectancy Theory explain the link between organizational culture and employee motivation?

<p>It argues that a negative culture diminishes the belief that effort will lead to valued outcomes, thus lowering motivation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea behind the discussion of motivation and cultural mismatch?

<p>A discrepancy between espoused values and actual practices can erode motivation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would be the best action for a company to take to align its espoused values to the reality of its organizational culture?

<p>Conduct surveys, perform audits, and change HR policies to match the espoused values. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An employee expresses a need to feel appreciated for their work, reflecting both motivators and hygiene factors. Which theory would directly address these aspects?

<p>Two-Factor Theory (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a cultural context, which example illustrates the application of Adams' Equity Theory?

<p>Individuals feel undervalued because they see colleagues with less experience being promoted faster. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an organization implements a policy that promotes work-life balance to increase employee satisfaction, is this referencing a hygiene or motivating factor?

<p>A hygiene factor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best demonstrates Vroom's Expectancy Theory in an organizational setting?

<p>An employee feels demotivated because they believe no amount of effort will lead to a promotion due to internal politics. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might a 'Task Culture,' according to Handy's model, approach problem-solving?

<p>By forming flexible, team-based approaches focused on the specific problem. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of Schein's levels of culture are most likely to be influenced by an organization's mission statement?

<p>Espoused values (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial step an organization should take to improve employee motivation, after an audit reveals a significant cultural mismatch?

<p>Identify specific discrepancies between espoused values and actual practices. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Handy's 'Role Culture?'

<p>Efficiency and predictability through established procedures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of culture, according to Handy, is best suited for quickly adapting to changing market conditions and fostering innovation?

<p>Task Culture (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances might a Power Culture be detrimental to an organization's long-term success?

<p>When fostering innovation and employee empowerment are key goals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately represents the relationship between organizational culture and motivation?

<p>Organizational culture can significantly influence motivation by shaping values and perceptions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best captures the essence of the course's teaching on organizational culture?

<p>Understanding culture involves recognizing both visible practices and underlying assumptions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Organizational Culture

The shared values, norms, and practices that guide behavior in an organization.

Espoused Values

The values and beliefs an organization says it supports.

Basic Assumptions

Deeply held, often unconscious beliefs that guide behavior.

Task Culture

A flexible, team-based culture focused on solving problems.

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Power Culture

A centralized culture where influence is concentrated at the top.

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Role Culture

A bureaucracy-driven culture based on rules, roles and procedures.

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Motivation

The internal drive that influences people to act or behave in certain ways.

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Expectancy Theory (Vroom)

A motivation theory suggesting people act based on expected outcomes.

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Equity Theory

A theory that motivation is influenced by fairness and balance in input vs. reward.

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Two-Factor Theory

Herzberg's theory that job satisfaction is influenced by hygiene and motivating factors.

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Cultural Mismatch

Mismatch between what a company says and what it does affects how employees feel about their work and can lead to demotivation.

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Study Notes

Apple's Culture Discussion

  • Apple's case study portrays it as a highly admired company
  • Tim Cook emphasizes Apple's innovative culture, promoting creative thinking from everyone
  • Apple's culture resembles a Task Culture, flexible and focused on teamwork
  • Employee reviews reveal that projects lacking Steve Jobs' involvement face delays and bureaucracy
  • Apple's culture is not quite the buzzing innovation lab it promotes
  • The culture may be stressful, top-down, and discourages questioning
  • Apple can also represent a Power Culture
  • Handy's Role Culture applies, especially in bureaucratic settings
  • A contradiction exists between espoused values (leadership's emphasis on creativity and freedom) and the actual day-to-day culture
  • Schein's model is applicable, highlighting the difference between visible artifacts and hidden assumptions
  • Company culture is revealed in what people are comfortable or afraid to say

Reflection on Cultural Mismatch

  • Discrepancies between the culture promoted by senior managers and the reality experienced by staff affects motivation

Motivation and Cultural Mismatch

  • Mismatches affect how people feel at work

  • Being ignored despite being told your ideas matter is demotivating

  • Vroom's Expectancy Theory suggests that if employees don't believe their effort leads to valued outcomes, motivation decreases

  • Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory states that stress, poor leadership, and lack of recognition can lead to hygiene related issues and decrease motivation

  • Culture shapes whether people want to behave in certain ways

  • Adams' Equity Theory shows that perceived unfairness, can lead to disengagement

  • Organisational culture is what the company says versus what employees experience

  • Cultural mismatch is the gap between espoused values and actual practices

  • Motivation impact results in decreased effort, engagement, and satisfaction

Class Activity Suggestion

  • In groups of 3-4 to analyse Apple's culture using Schein's three levels
  • Analyse cultural features that increase or reduce employee motivation, using motivation theories

Glossary of Key Terms

  • Organisational culture refers to shared values, norms, and practices that guide behaviour in an organisation
  • Espoused Values are the values and beliefs an organisation says it supports
  • Basic assumptions are deeply held, often unconscious beliefs that guide behaviour
  • Task culture is a flexible, team-based culture focused on solving problems
  • Power culture is a centralized culture where influence is concentrated at the top
  • Role culture is a bureaucracy-driven culture based on rules, roles, and procedures
  • Motivation is the internal drive that influences people to act or behave in certain ways
  • Expectancy Theory is a motivation theory that suggests people act based on expected outcomes
  • Equity Theory is a theory that motivation is influenced by fairness and balance in input vs. reward
  • Two-Factor Theory is Herzberg's theory that job satisfaction is influenced by hygiene and motivating factors

Summary Takeaways

  • Organisational culture includes what people feel and experience
  • Frameworks like Handy and Schein helps to understand the visible and hidden sides of culture
  • Motivation suffers when culture doesn't support employee needs or values, even in successful companies like Apple
  • Theories of motivation explain how and why culture impacts behavior and performance

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