Week 1: What is Organizational Culture?

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 1 in Jacobs and Crockett (2021) and Chapter 2 in Schein and Schein (2016). Reflect on your current organization or an organization where you worked in the past.

In an initial post of at least 350 words and citing at least two scholarly resourcesLinks to an external site.,

• Describe the culture of the organization using Schein’s model of culture to describe the layers of culture within the organization.

  Schein’s Model of Organizational Culture

  Definition: Organizational culture is the values and beliefs of an organization.

  Schein’s model is based on his belief that culture develops over time as employees adapt to changes, the external environment and solve problems. Culture is affected by the way employees feel and behave within the organization.

  Three Levels of Organizational Culture

  • Level 1. Artifacts: These are the characteristics of the organization that are viewed, heard, and felt by the employees. They are the physical and social environment. Examples of artifacts include the mission and vision of the organization, the way employees behave, what employees wear, and the policies and procedures of the organization.
  • Level 2. Espoused Beliefs and Values: These are the values and beliefs of the employees. Schein proposed that the values and attitudes of the employees have an impact on the culture.
  • Level 3. Basic Underlying Assumptions: These are the unconscious beliefs and values that are often hidden but have an impact on how employees behave.
• What are the different components of organizational behavior that impact the culture of the organization?
• What role have leaders played in shaping the culture of this organization? Based on what you have experienced as an employee in this organization, how would you define organizational culture?

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