Organizational Culture: Definition and Importance

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What is organizational culture defined as?

A system of shared assumptions, values, and norms that vary across departments

A system of shared assumptions, values, and beliefs that guide employee behavior (correct)

A system of external factors, values, and beliefs that influence an organization

A system of individual assumptions, values, and beliefs that shape an organization

What is the term for a culture that emerges within different departments, branches, or geographic locations?

Subculture (correct)

Subgroup

Organizational culture

Departmental culture

What is a possible reason for the emergence of subcultures within an organization?

The industry of the organization

The personal characteristics of employees and managers (correct)

The age of the organization

The size of the organization

Which of the following departments may have a shared emphasis on innovativeness?

Marketing department Signup and view all the answers

How many subcultures were uncovered in a single police organization in an interesting study?

5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of organizational culture?

It guides employee behavior and determines what is appropriate and inappropriate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why managers need to understand subculture values?

To see its impact on workforce behavior and attitudes Signup and view all the answers

What is a counterculture?

A subculture that is in direct opposition to the values of the broader organizational culture Signup and view all the answers

Why might a counterculture be tolerated by an organization?

Because it is contributing positively to the effectiveness of the organization Signup and view all the answers

What can be uncovered by observing how employees interact and the choices they make?

The values and assumptions that shape the organization's culture Signup and view all the answers

What is the deepest level of organizational culture?

Basic assumptions Signup and view all the answers

What can be a competitive advantage for an organization?

Having a rare and hard-to-imitate organizational culture Signup and view all the answers

Why is having a culture that encourages innovativeness and adaptability beneficial for a company in the high-tech industry?

Because it supports company performance Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an artifact of organizational culture?

An executive 'open door' policy Signup and view all the answers

What can be a result of having the 'wrong' culture?

Performance difficulties Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to understand the organization's culture when interviewing for a position?

To get a sense of whether your values align with the organization's values Signup and view all the answers

What is a more powerful way of controlling and managing employee behaviors than organizational rules and regulations?

Organizational culture Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of understanding an organization's culture?

To reduce feelings of discomfort and intrapersonal conflict Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conflict management?

To encourage positive change through conflict resolution Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a value that may emerge from an assumption that happy employees benefit the organization?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary limitation of observing an organization's artifacts to understand its culture?

It may not give a full picture of the organization Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of the collaborating conflict management style?

To find a win-win solution Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why differences in assumptions and values can create conflict within an organization?

Because they may not be shared by everyone Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have people who understand conflicts and know how to resolve them in a business?

Because conflicts are a natural part of the workplace Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of having a culture of respect, civility, and inclusion in the workplace?

It helps to keep workplace conflict functional and productive Signup and view all the answers

What can be used to deal with conflict in the workplace?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for adapting communication style to suit the situation, audience, and purpose?

To avoid conflicts and ensure effective communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of conflict in organizational culture related to power and authority?

Different levels of power and authority Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of aligning values and goals with the organization's vision and mission?

To manage conflicts related to values and goals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of creating a culture of learning, curiosity, and adaptability?

To encourage employees to adapt to change and innovation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way to address conflicts related to values and goals?

Respect and support the values and goals of others Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for involving and informing employees in the change and innovation process?

To provide them with adequate support and resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the collaborating conflict management style?

To maintain relationships with all parties involved Signup and view all the answers

When is the competing conflict management style likely to be used?

When morals require a specific course of action Signup and view all the answers

What is the main risk of using the competing conflict management style?

It may lower morale and productivity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the accommodating conflict management style?

It puts the needs of the other party ahead of one's own Signup and view all the answers

When is the avoiding conflict management style likely to be effective?

When a cool-down period is necessary Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of the compromising conflict management style?

It reaches a middle ground that satisfies both parties to some extent Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the most common sources of conflict in organizational culture?

Communication styles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of not managing diversity and inclusion effectively?

Misunderstandings, stereotypes, and discrimination among employees Signup and view all the answers

What is the key to preventing and resolving conflicts related to diversity and inclusion?

Fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and openness Signup and view all the answers

What is the main risk of using the compromising conflict management style excessively?

It breeds resentment among employees Signup and view all the answers