Hbo Chapter 16
Hbo Chapter 16
Hbo Chapter 16
Assessment
Answer the following:
1. Describe the seven key characteristics that capture the essence of the organization's culture.
Answer:
The seven key characteristics that capture the essence of the organization's culture:
• Innovation and risk-taking refers to the degree to which employees are encouraged to be
innovative and take risks.
• Attention to detail refers to the degree to which employees are expected to exhibit precision,
analysis, and attention to detail.
• Outcome orientation refers to the degree to which management focuses on results or
outcomes rather than on the techniques and processes used to achieve them.
• People orientation refers to the degree to which management decisions take into
consideration the effect of outcomes on people within the organization.
• Team orientation refers to the degree to which work activities are organized around teams.
• Aggressiveness refers to the degree to which people are aggressive and competitive rather
than easygoing.
• Stability refers to the degree to which organizational activities emphasize maintaining the
status quo in contrast to growth.
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3. Identify the functional and dysfunctional effects of organizational culture on employees.
Answer:
The functional effects of organizational culture on employees are:
• Defines boundaries
• Conveys a sense of identity
• Generates commitment beyond oneself
• Enhances social stability
• Sense-making and control mechanism
Meanwhile, the dysfunctional effects of organizational culture on employees are:
• Institutionalization
• Barrier to change
• Barrier to diversity
• Barrier to acquisitions and mergers
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• Metamorphosis – when the employee has adjusted and adapted to the organization and
its existing organizational culture.
8. What is a positive organizational culture and what key variables are used in creating it?
Answer:
A positive organizational culture is one that builds on employee skills and strengths in
order for them to develop and grow as individuals. Employees are not afraid to try new things and feel
good about what they are contributing as this rewards more than it punishes. This concept is relatively
new so we are still uncertain on how and when it works best.
The key variables used in creating a positive organizational culture are as follows:
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• Top leadership principles
• Nature of the business
• Company values, policies, and work ambiance
• Clients and external parties
• Recruitment and selection
9. What is the relationship between national culture and a global organization’s organizational
culture?
Answer:
The main relationship between the two cultures is that the national culture can affect
the organizational culture in various ways; meanwhile, organizational culture cannot affect the
national culture in the same way.
National culture varies from country to country and is the collective values, principles,
etc of the citizens of a country; which when applied in an organization, may create cultural shock. It is
deeply embedded in every individual within a nation and would be extremely difficult to alter or
manipulate. This greatly affects a global organization’s organizational culture for it is difficult to
transport and implant organizational culture from one country to another.
On the other hand, organizational culture refers to practices, rituals, behaviors, etc
that are limited within an organization. These are also present in practices that are not as long-lasting
compared to the source of national culture – it is much easier to manipulate or affect. However,
organizational culture can evolve once it is influenced by or through adoption of the national culture/s,
with the help from the organization’s leadership, good decision-making, and a value system.