Impact of Organizational Culture in Contemporary Context

Photo Credit: Google 2018

Organizational Culture is defined by Hofsede (1991) “the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes them members of one group or category of people from another”. Some industry leaders are of the view that organizational culture can lead to high performance. Company’s such as FedEx have Strong Cultures as they operation in global market place.

The culture of organizations gives it a strong foundation assisting in establish values, purpose and clarity in its operations and decision making as such there is trust and confidence among the workforce. It also makes the decision-making process consistent thus there is not ambiguity among the workers. This is perhaps the reason that successful companies such as Federal Express achieve high performance and their employees are engaged. Effective management of culture is important for global companies and therefore an understanding of the country culture and norms in which they operate. Large global organizations therefore are extremely dedicated to supporting their staff in effective management of the cultures in different countries they operate in. Culture therefore surrounds the environment you work in all the time and is an important element that models the shape of how you work and enjoy it and the various processes of your work (FedEx, 2017). It is although at times rather elusive and therefore intangible expect through a few physical elements at your work place.

Culture is therefore based on values, beliefs and assumptions, attitude and behavior that is shared by a workforce. It is unspoken and unwritten influenced by the organizations top management and executives due to the roles they play in decision process and strategic direction they take for the organization (Heathfield, 2017). Culture therefore, is highlighted in a workforce through its language, decision making process, symbols, Stories and legends and everyday work routines. Simple things such as objects in that grace the table of manager speaks volume, the letterheads, logo, vision and mission. Corporate colors.

Plantation companies have a rather strict culture due to the hierarchical nature, authoritarian leaderships styles and the fact that have inherited over 170 years of history from the time the British established them. By large these institutions are labor intensive with large workforces spread over large land mass and these are communities by themselves. This culture in the plantation sector has worked well for these organizations and little change if any is taking place even today. 

 

Reference:

Heathfield, S.M., (2017) Culture: Your environment for the people who work. https://www.thebalance.com/culture-your-environment-for-people-at-work-1918809

Hofstede, G. (1991) Culture and Organizations: Software of The Mind, McGraw-Hill: London.

FedEx (2017) Our people are the foundation of our success and the key to our future. http://about.van.fedex.com/our-people/