Organizational Culture Chapter 14 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which dimension of organizational culture is characterized by experimenting and risk-taking?

Innovation (correct)

Stability

Attention to detail

Outcome orientation

What term describes a culture that exists in smaller groups within an organization, sharing core values but with additional characteristics?

Corporate culture

Dominant culture

Subculture (correct)

Counterculture

Which dimension reflects an organization's focus on fairness and tolerance?

Stability

Team orientation

Respect for people (correct)

Aggressiveness

Countercultures within an organization typically do what in relation to the dominant culture?

Oppose certain aspects of the dominant culture Signup and view all the answers

Which organizational culture dimension is characterized by a high focus on achieving results and high expectations?

Outcome orientation Signup and view all the answers

Which dimension of organizational culture emphasizes collaboration and a people-oriented approach?

Team orientation Signup and view all the answers

What role does language play in organizational culture?

It serves as a tool for leaders to promote or alter culture. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a ritual in an organizational setting?

A mandated dress code for employees. Signup and view all the answers

How do artifacts manifest within an organization?

As observable symbols of culture. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'put the moose on the table' signify in Galvanize's culture?

Discussing uncomfortable but necessary topics. Signup and view all the answers

Which component of organizational culture involves conscious beliefs about what is good or bad?

Conscious beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily represented by stories and legends in an organizational culture?

The historical background and values of the organization. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary definition of organizational culture according to Aristotle?

Consistent patterns of values and assumptions guiding behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences organizational culture?

Employee demographics Signup and view all the answers

What makes changing organizational culture particularly challenging?

It is a part of the company’s DNA and ingrained habits Signup and view all the answers

What is a method to validate the culture of an organization?

Observation of employees and artifacts Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about culture within an organization is true?

There can be difficulties in seeing one's own culture clearly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of enacted values vs. espoused values in organizational culture?

Espoused values are formally declared, while enacted values are demonstrated behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary purpose of an organization's culture?

To guide employees in how to act Signup and view all the answers

How can a moderately stronger culture impact an organization?

It can lead to better performance Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the bond that holds employees together within an organization?

Social glue Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a strong organizational culture?

Long-lasting origins with founders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of strong organizational cultures?

Increased employee turnover Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for culture strength advantages to be effective?

Environment fit Signup and view all the answers

What role do rewards play in organizational culture?

Rewards are powerful artifacts that reinforce desired culture. Signup and view all the answers

How can leaders effectively communicate and model the desired organizational culture?

By exhibiting and reinforcing cultural values in their behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk associated with high employee turnover in an organization?

It weakens the organization's culture by disrupting communication. Signup and view all the answers

What does the socialization process for new employees involve?

Learning, adapting to values, and understanding social processes. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the process when a merged firm allows both corporate cultures to coexist?

Separation Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of transformational leaders in the context of organizational culture?

They can reshape the organizational culture quickly. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Identifying Culture

Organizational culture comprises values and assumptions shaping behavior patterns within an organization.
Influential components include structure, processes, rewards, and leadership styles.

Culture Truths & Challenges

Organizational culture is deeply ingrained, akin to a company's DNA, making it challenging to change.
There is often inconsistency in interpreting culture, leading to confusion between enacted and espoused values.
Cultures can fragment into subcultures and "cliques," complicating clear understanding.

Validating Culture

Methods to assess culture include observing employee behaviors and artifacts, analyzing decision-making processes, and debriefing actions taken.

Elements of Organizational Culture

Culture expressed through:
- Artifacts: Physical manifestations of culture (e.g., logos, office layout).
- Language: Communication styles, titles, and terminologies used within the organization.
- Rituals and Ceremonies: Established routines and celebrations that reinforce cultural norms.
- Stories and Legends: Narratives that shape identity and illustrate values.
- Conscious Beliefs: Established values and moral judgments.
- Implicit Mental Models: Unwritten rules governing expected behaviors.

Artifacts of Culture

Language reflects employee interactions and emotional expressions.
Rituals incorporate engagement practices (e.g., Walmart greeters), self-presentation norms (dress codes), and decision-making processes (empowerment structures).

Organizational Culture Common Types

Innovation: Values experimentation and risk-taking.
Stability: Focuses on predictability and security.
Respect for People: Emphasizes fairness and tolerance.
Outcome Orientation: Prioritizes action and results.
Attention to Detail: Values precision and analytics.
Team Orientation: Encourages collaboration and support.
Aggressiveness: Highlights a competitive mindset with less emphasis on social responsibility.

Organizational Subcultures

Dominant Culture: Broadly shared values, influencing overall organization.
Subcultures: Smaller groups with shared core values but distinct characteristics (e.g., marketing team).
Countercultures: Oppose aspects of the dominant culture (e.g., "meetingless" teams).

Organizational Culture & Performance

Culture acts as a control system, social glue, and a sense-making mechanism.
A moderately strong culture contributes to improved performance.

Organizational Culture Strength

Culture strength relies on how deeply employees share dominant values and assumptions.
A strong culture is institutionalized through artifacts and may be long-lasting.

Changing/Strengthening Organizational Culture

Leaders play a crucial role in communicating and modeling desired culture.
Align artifacts (process, office design, language) with the intended culture.
Utilize culturally consistent rewards to reinforce cultural traits.
Prioritize workforce stability and clear communication to maintain strong culture.
Focus on recruiting and socializing new employees to align them with the existing culture.

Merging Organizational Cultures

Assimilation: Acquired staff adopts the culture of the acquiring firm.
Deculturation: The acquiring firm enforces its policies and practices.
Integration: A new culture is formed by preserving the best aspects of both prior cultures.
Separation: Merged organizations retain their individual cultures.

Organizational Socialization

A process where individuals learn organizational values, behaviors, and necessary social knowledge.
Newcomers make sense of organizational dynamics and form relationships while adjusting to new roles and norms.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Chapter 14 of Organizational Culture, focusing on key concepts such as identifying culture, its elements, and the effectiveness of cultural strength. This quiz will also explore strategies for changing culture and the process of culture socialization. Prepare to engage with thought-provoking questions!