Organizational Behavior, 17e

What Do Cultures Do?

1. 2 Compare the functional and dysfunctional effects of organizational culture on people and the organization.

Let’s discuss the role culture performs and whether it can ever be a liability for an organization.

The Functions of Culture

Culture defines the rules of the game. First, it has a boundary-defining role: It creates distinctions between organizations. Second, it conveys a sense of identity for organization members. Third, culture facilitates commitment to something larger than individual self-interest. Fourth, it enhances the stability of the social system. Culture is the social glue that helps hold the organization together by providing standards for what employees should say and do. Finally, it is a sense-making and ...