INSTRUCTIONS Lens Three: Reviewing the Culture Theories [VILLAGE] Use the following questions to describe, in a summative-narrative fashion, what the culture of your organization looks like. Your summary is to be 3–5 pages, include 3–5 references (this can include your textbook), have a title and reference page, and be formatted according to current APA style (first person should not be used). Headings should be used for each section of the paper. 1. Describe the culture of your organization and whether cultural differences exist within the various units of your organization. 2. How does your organization develop consensus on mission, tasks, and goals? 3. What is your role within the organization and how is this different from your actual job description? This section should be written from a neutral viewpoint much like a consultant would view it
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Step-by-Step Guide for Writing Your Culture Theory Paper
Step 1: Create a Clear Title and Structure Your Paper
Your paper should be 3–5 pages long, excluding the title and references pages, and formatted in current APA style. The title page should be formatted according to APA guidelines, and your paper should include clear headings for each section. Avoid first-person language (e.g., “I” or “we”), and instead focus on a professional and objective analysis of the organization’s culture.
Step 2: Introduction
Begin with a brief introduction to your organization, providing some context for your analysis. You can mention its size, mission, and industry. State the purpose of your paper, which is to analyze the organizational culture using the lens of culture theories. Introduce the questions you’ll be addressing in the body of your paper.
Example Introduction:
In any organization, culture plays a crucial role in shaping behaviors, communication, and overall performance. The culture of an organization refers to the shared values, norms, and practices that guide how its members interact and work together. This paper will explore the culture of [Organization Name], identifying cultural differences within various units, how consensus on mission, tasks, and goals is developed, and how my role differs from my job description.
Step 3: Section 1 – Describe the Culture of Your Organization
In this section, describe the overall culture of your organization, referring to cultural theories where applicable. Are there any distinctive cultural traits, such as collaboration, hierarchy, or innovation, that define the organization’s atmosphere? Also, consider whether cultural differences exist across different units or departments within the organization. For instance, are certain teams more independent, while others are more process-driven or customer-focused?
Use organizational culture models (e.g., Edgar Schein’s culture model, or Hofstede’s cultural dimensions) to help describe and analyze the organization’s culture.
Example for Section 1:
The culture of [Organization Name] is characterized by [describe general attributes, such as collaborative, hierarchical, innovative, etc.]. This cultural trait is manifested in the way employees interact, communicate, and make decisions. However, different units within the organization have distinct cultural characteristics. For instance, the [Department A] operates in a highly structured, top-down approach, while [Department B] fosters a more flexible and autonomous environment. These differences may stem from the specific goals and nature of the departments.
Step 4: Section 2 – How Consensus is Developed
Next, explain how your organization develops consensus on its mission, tasks, and goals. Does the organization use a top-down approach where leaders make decisions and communicate them to employees? Or is there a more democratic, bottom-up approach that encourages input from employees at all levels?
Discuss any formal or informal processes that help develop consensus, such as team meetings, strategic planning sessions, or cross-department collaborations. Reference relevant organizational culture or decision-making models to reinforce your discussion.
Example for Section 2:
[Organization Name] fosters a consensus-building approach to developing its mission, tasks, and goals. The senior leadership team typically establishes the overarching goals, but it’s not unusual for feedback to be solicited from various levels within the organization. Regular meetings, such as [mention specific meetings], provide employees with opportunities to voice their opinions and contribute to decision-making. This approach helps to ensure that the mission and goals align with the needs of both employees and organizational priorities.
Step 5: Section 3 – Role vs. Job Description
In this section, explain your role within the organization. Compare and contrast your actual day-to-day responsibilities with what is outlined in your job description. You should provide a neutral, analytical view of this discrepancy. Is there a mismatch between your role and the expectations outlined in your job description? How does your role align with the organization’s culture?
Example for Section 3:
As a [Job Title], my role within [Organization Name] involves [mention actual tasks or responsibilities]. However, my job description specifies [mention the tasks mentioned in your job description]. While there is general alignment between my role and the job description, I often take on additional responsibilities such as [mention any additional responsibilities], which were not initially outlined in the description. This discrepancy highlights a flexible, evolving nature of roles within the organization, where employees are often encouraged to take on various tasks outside their official duties.
Step 6: Conclusion
Your conclusion should briefly summarize your key findings regarding the organizational culture. Reflect on how the organization’s cultural characteristics influence decision-making, employee behavior, and your own role within the company. Highlight any insights you’ve gained from analyzing the culture, and consider any potential areas for improvement or growth.
Example Conclusion:
In conclusion, [Organization Name] demonstrates a strong cultural emphasis on [key cultural traits]. The organization successfully develops consensus on mission and goals through [mention process], ensuring alignment with both leadership and employees. While my role aligns with the official job description to a large extent, the flexible nature of responsibilities reflects the organization’s adaptive culture. By understanding the cultural dynamics of [Organization Name], it’s clear that the organization’s culture plays a significant role in driving collaboration and shaping decision-making processes.
Step 7: References
Be sure to include 3–5 credible references. These can include your course textbook, articles, books on organizational culture, or case studies. Use APA format for citations and references.
Example for References Page:
- Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational culture and leadership. Jossey-Bass.
- Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture’s consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations. Sage Publications.
- Deal, T. E., & Kennedy, A. A. (1982). Corporate cultures: The rites and rituals of corporate life. Addison-Wesley.
Final Review
Before you submit:
- Clarity: Ensure that each section addresses the key points and is written clearly.
- Headings: Use appropriate headings for each section of your paper (e.g., Section 1: Describe the Culture, Section 2: Consensus Development).
- APA Style: Ensure your paper follows APA formatting guidelines.
- Proofreading: Double-check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes.