Choose an organization and using the dimensions of culture, describe which dimensions are present in the firm.

What is key to maintaining ethics in a firm’s culture?

Recent studies indicate the key element is leadership. Using firms like Enron, Adelphia Cable and others, qualitative analysis consistently points to the need for leaders to role model ethical behavior in order for it to be part of the company culture. Further, the reward systems that the leader puts into place must reflect the ethical standards for them to be effective.

146. What impact does the national culture of a country have upon its domestic company cultures?

The impact of a country’s culture on that of the company is small. The values of the country from which a founder comes are likely to have shaped his value system somewhat, but not to such a degree that country culture dictates company culture.

ESSAY

147. Choose an organization and using the dimensions of culture, describe which dimensions are present in the firm.

Answers will vary. A major research university has an aggressive and innovative culture in that professor pay and teaching load are dictated by the amount of research dollars garnered by grant. That university also has a people-oriented culture in that flexible scheduling is permitted not only for faculty, but much of the staff. Outstanding benefits are provided to all university employees and pay is generally above the average for similar universities. Finally, a service culture is supported in that many university departments have extensive outreach programs to the local and state communities that allow the application of basic research concepts in the real world.

148. Choose a firm with which you are very familiar and discuss how culture was created and is maintained in that firm. Use the culture creation-maintenance model to frame your discussion.

Answers will vary. Students should include, as much as possible given their choices, some of these elements: founder values and preferences, and industry demands. For the maintenance aspect, students should discuss the attraction-selection-attrition process, new employee onboarding, leadership and the reward system.

A popular midsize, local restaurant was created 50 years ago by a now deceased individual who believed in: quality for your money and a friendly face. The founder felt that money was always tight for most people and a restaurant had to offer a better deal and experience than a customer could secure in his own home. Industry barriers to entry are relatively low so the firm had few problems getting started.

The basic meals the firm offers, such as meatloaf, roast, pork chops, and the outstanding desserts, were a great success when the firm first opened and they continue to draw people in today. The founder value of good food has not changed over the years.

The atmosphere of the restaurant has also not changed. Maintenance activities help retain that climate. The founder of the restaurant believed in good conversation over a meal in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. The hiring process reflects this culture. Interview questions focus heavily on assessing the candidate’s personality and ability to withstand stress. Further, a knowledge of the items offered on a daily basis is a key element of the selection decision.

The founder’s son now owns the restaurant and continues the same culture, role modeling the very values that originally made the place a success. Each day and evening, the current owner chats with customers at each table. Many of the customers are such regulars that personal questions about family are answered, further maintaining the key founding values.

149. Design an onboarding program for a firm of your choice. Make sure to include what employee, leader and coworker roles will be during the onboarding.

An onboarding program teaches new employees attitudes, knowledge, skills and behaviors required to function effectively within an organization. While student answers will vary, they should mention what the key values of the organization are that need to be conveyed, how they will be conveyed and the role of the leader, new employee and coworkers will be.

New employees need to seek feedback and network, gather information and manage their first impressions.

Current coworkers need to convey information and support new employees in general.

Leaders need to be cognizant of the style they exhibit and its influence on the program, role model the firm’s values and react consistently to the actions of those around him.

150. You are going to your first full-time position in the morning. What can you do to make sure you get “on board” immediately?

Answers will vary, but some key elements that should be mentioned include:

Gather information. Find out as much as you possibly can about the company and your job as quickly as you can. Be a good observer.

Manage your first impression.

Network.

Seek feedback.

Show success early on.

151. What are some of the visual elements of the culture of your firm?

Again answers will vary but students should mention items like: mission statement, rituals, stories, physical layout, and rules and policies.

Universities are very easy organizations in which to see visual elements of the culture. As an example, a large mid-Atlantic university is physically located in a city but has a campus defined by small park islands on each of the campus’ borders with the city. Each of the buildings is clearly marked with the university emblem.

The deans of each of the university’s colleges cite the mission statement as a means of developing programming that reaches out to various groups and individuals in the city itself.

One interesting ritual each spring is the closing of a portion of a city road located in front of the student union to facilitate gurney and wheelchair races between fraternities and sororities and as a means of uniting the education and medical subdivisions of the university.

One of the campus classroom buildings is a very tall facility and is the most recognizable aspect of the campus. Stories abound, particularly around the Halloween season, of ghosts that haunt the halls. These stories are shared with incoming freshmen, especially with those who have classes in that location.

Regardless of the element, the culture is conveyed successfully.

152. You are applying for a job at a variety of different companies. How will you determine whether you will be a good fit at those firms?

The most important thing you can do is research all the firms. Do not just assume because you know the firm’s products, for example, that you would like to work there. Talk to people, go to job placement centers, use the Internet.

Observe the physical environment when you go to interview. How is the office laid out? Do you like to work in cubicles? What is the dress code? Are employees pleasant?

Read between the lines. Does the firm have an employee handbook? Is it long, short, typed?

How are you treated? Did they go out of their way to make you feel at home? First impressions work both ways.

Ask questions. Take an active part in the interview beyond just answering your interviewer’s questions.

Listen to your gut. How do you feel about your experience?