Organisational Change

2.9.1 Managing Organisational Culture

Managers are increasingly recognising the power and effects of culture on the behaviour of people in organisations. They are becoming interested in trying to manage it as a way of contributing to the effectiveness of the firm. However, while there is agreement that cultures exist in every organisation and that they do change, there is disagreement over the degree to which they can be managed. In new organisations, it is possible to shape the culture through carefully designed selection programmes, socialisation strategies, and consistent use of symbols and language. Very quickly though, the members of the organisation modify the values intended by the management, and a culture emerges. It is more difficult ...