Describe two visual elements of a firm’s culture and provide an example of each.

What is a strong culture?

A strong culture is one that is shared by all organizational members. Walt Disney Company requires its resort employees to take Traditions I & II to understand the history of Walt Disney Company and the “Disney way”.

133. Describe a subculture and provide an example.

A subculture is a culture that emerges within different departments, branches or geographic locations. An example is that of a department that is divided by age.  Older employees could have certain ways they approach their jobs, maybe individually, versus the way that young members of the department approach their jobs, maybe as somewhat of a team.

134. What is a counterculture and what is an example of it?

A counterculture is one whose shared values and beliefs are in direct opposition to the values of the broader organizational culture. An example is in a static, bureaucratic organization, you might find a department that is very innovative and takes risks.

135. How are cultures created?

Key to the creation of a culture is the values and preferences of a founder and the demand of the industry. A founder’s values help determine the way the firm does business. The industry demands also impact a culture. If the industry, for example, is highly regulated, founder values of risk taking and innovativeness have a much less likely chance of supporting success in that firm.

136. What are key factors in maintaining a firm’s culture?

Cultures are maintained by the attraction-selection-attrition process, new employee onboarding, leadership and reward systems.

137. What is the attraction-selection-attrition process?

The attraction process is what initially draws an individual to applying for a position in a firm. What signals is the applicant picking up that suggest the firm will be some place he would want to work? From the standpoint of the firm, what types of personalities and skills will best fit the firm’s needs?

The selection process is a series of techniques where the fit between applicant and firm is further investigated.

Attrition is the process where an individual who has been brought into a firm is “weeded out” when he does not perform as successfully has he might and the selection or attraction processes did not indicate such a scenario.

The attraction-selection-attrition process self defends the organizational culture.

138. What is employee onboarding?

Onboarding is the process through which new employees learn the attitudes, knowledge, skills and behaviors required to function effectively within an organization.

139. What is the new employee’s role in onboarding?

Onboarding is not a passive practice for the new employee. An employee should seek feedback on how she is performing and should network or build relationships. In addition, she needs to gather information, practice impression management and show success early on.

140. What is a mentor?

A mentor is a trusted person who provides an employee with advice and support regarding career related matters.

141. How do leaders influence culture?

Leaders influence culture through their style, role modeling and general reactions to the actions of those around them.

142. What are key factors in a reward system that reflects the culture of the firm?

The key factors are: the kinds of behaviors that are rewarded, punished or ignored in the firm, whether a firm rewards behaviors or results, and whether a firm uses ranking or rating in evaluation of performance.

143. Describe two visual elements of a firm’s culture and provide an example of each.

There are five visual elements: mission statement, rituals, stories, rule and policies and physical layout.

Mission statement may focus wording on employees.

Rituals: Mary Kay pink Cadillac at annual meeting to top sellers.

Stories: Post-it note development.

Rules: Dress code

Physical Layout: Offices versus cubicles

144. What are the six steps to changing a culture?

Create a sense of urgency.

Change leaders and other key players.

Role model.

Train.

Change the reward system.

Create new stories.