From the cultural perspective, organizations are systems of beliefs, values, and taken-for-granted norms that guide everyday behavior. The lens of culture enables us to focus on the ways in which people communicatively construct systems of meaning that shape and embody these beliefs and values.
For this discussion you will:
Research any organization of interest to you by looking at their website or additional news reports. (This can be an organization you are involved with, including your own home.)
Examine this organization’s culture as best you can.
In your discussion, respond to the following:
What sorts of symbols, terminology, and artifacts do you find that are relevant to understanding this organizational culture?
Does the organizational culture convey power over the people involved with this organization?
Does this organization illustrate a pragmatist or purist approach to culture? Explain your reasoning.
Share any metaphors, rituals, and founding stories that reinforce this organizational culture or stand out to you.
Points and Rubric
This discussion is worth 30 points. Refer to your discussion rubric for specific grading criteria. The deadline for your initial post and additional responses is Tuesday at 11:59 p.m. ET; however, you must participate over multiple days throughout the unit to earn full credit.
Remember that your goal for discussion is threefold:
To participate actively over multiple days throughout the unit.
To contribute in a way that adds to the discussion and moves it forward in an original fashion.
To use the course content to inform your posts and responses.
Keep in mind that when you post, you should always reference items you cite — be sure to use APA format for this. Also, be sure to refer back to the rubric as often as you need to during the week. The class is all about sharing knowledge, so use discussions as a way of creating a community resource for yourself and your colleagues.
This discussion addresses the following unit learning outcomes:
Explore the cultural approach to the study of organizations.
Identify pragmatist and purist approaches to organizational culture.