ORGANIZATION BEHAVIOR & LEADERSHIP

Report Description

 The culture of an organization develops over time, and it plays a crucial role in the processes and perceptions within the organization. It influences individual behaviors, fosters social identity, and supports continuity among organization members.  The ability to observe and analyze the culture of an organization can help you interact more successfully with members of the organization. The primary purpose of this project is to develop such observation and analysis skills.

For this project, I would like you to assess cultural aspects of two small organizations or of two departments within a larger organization. For example, you might consider two departments at your own company, two restaurants, or two nonprofit organizations.  You may choose any pair of organizations that interest you, as long as they operate in a similar industry or social niche.  Your job is to compare and contrast the cultures within those organizations, summarize the findings, and present your conclusions to the class.  Completion of this project requires that you visit both organizations, make careful observations/interviews, and document what you have observed.  You will then synthesize your data into a coherent 05 to 07-minute presentation that describes the physical artifacts, shared behaviors, and (possibly implied) norms you observed within those organizations and also submit the report of at least 6-7 pages main body text leaving initial pages.

The following guidelines may help you conduct this research and organize it for presentation:

1. Be objective when making your observations. Try not to enter the organizations with preconceived notions about their cultures, and don’t make guesses.  Every conclusion you reach must be based on tangible evidence such as objects, routines, documents, observed social interactions, or interviews with organization members.

2. Observe the two organizations and describe the dominant physical artifacts such as office sizes and locations, equipment, technologies, employee dress, awards and ceremonies, language (both style and type), music, printed statements, decorations, etc.

3. Consider the employees’ degree of formality and informality. Observe social interactions, both among employees and between employees and customers, if appropriate.  Try to interview at least one central player at each location.

4. Consider the leadership of the two organizations. Do the leaders appear to shape the culture?  Is there a strong hierarchy?  Do the leaders appear congruent with dominant cultural beliefs and assumptions?  Infer from observable artifacts, dress, communication and behavior if necessary.

5. Are there any artifacts or behaviors that appear incongruent with the dominant cultural beliefs?