Name two dimensions of culture according to the organizational culture profile and provide an example for each.

Cultures that emerge in different departments, branches or geographic locations are called __________.

(subcultures)

119. A ____________ is a form of a ______________ that shares values and beliefs in direct opposition to the values of the larger organization.

(counterculture, subculture)

120. The most important factors in the creation of an organization’s culture are _________, ____________ and _____________.

(founder values, preferences and industry demands)

121. ___________ refers to the process where new employees learn the attitudes, knowledge, skills and behaviors required to function effectively within the organization.

(Onboarding)

122. __________ or relationship building is an important activity new employees can undertake to ensure their adjustment to a firm.

(Networking)

123. A ______ __________ program indoctrinates new employees to the company culture, as well as introducing them to their new jobs and colleagues.

(formal orientation)

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

(mentor)

125. A statement of purpose describing who the company is and what it does is a __________ _________.

(mission statement)

126. Repetitive activities within an organization that have symbolic meaning are called __________.

(rituals)

127. __________ __________ is the process by which employees modify their own beliefs and behaviors to reflect those of the leader.

(Role modeling)

SHORT ANSWERS

128. Define organizational culture.

Organizational culture is shared assumptions, values and beliefs that show employees what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior.

129. What impact does culture have on the organization?

Culture is as important as corporate strategy for business success, according to a study.

130. What are the three levels of culture?

Innermost level is assumptions that are taken for granted, belief in human nature, and reality.

Second layer is values or shared principles, standards and goals.

Outermost layer is artifacts that are the visible and tangible elements of culture.

131. Name two dimensions of culture according to the organizational culture profile and provide an example for each.

The dimensions are detail-oriented, innovative, aggressive, outcome-oriented, stable, people-oriented, and team-oriented.

A detail-oriented firm is the Ritz Carlton, which keeps records of customer preferences.

An innovative firm is 3M, which provides employees time each week to think creatively to develop new products.

An aggressive firm is Microsoft, which is focused on “killing” Netscape.

An outcome-oriented firm emphasizes attaining goals set and rewards the attainment but not the goal process. Many salespeople work under such a culture if they are in a commission-only program.

A stable organization is a school district, where the product and the way to “produce” it vary little over the years.

A people-oriented culture is found at Starbucks, which pays above market wages, offers tuition reimbursement and health care to its employees.

A team-oriented culture is found on many pro sports teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers, for example, feature few Pro-Bowlers yet their record is one of the best in the NFL.