Explain how the identified main view of organizational culture (pragmatist or purist) affects the communication of the organization.

In a Culture Walk:

One way to observe the culture in your
organization is to take a walk through the building to look at some of
the signs of culture. For example: How is space allocated? Where are the
offices located? Are supervisors located on the top floors or
integrated throughout with the other employees? These types of nonverbal
cues give a glimpse of the accepted culture of the organization.

Directions:

For
this assignment, you will reflect on an organization you are familiar
with. This can be a previous or current employer or an organization such
as your neighborhood church, a dream job/position you have researched,
or even your own home.

You will apply concepts of culture and
power as discussed in the reading to answer the topics below. Your
responses should include details, explanations, and/or examples from the
course material to support your points.

Explain which of the
two post-Fordism approaches to organizational culture covered in the
reading (pragmatist or purist) would fit best to describe the culture of
your chosen organization.
Explain how the identified main view
of organizational culture (pragmatist or purist) affects the
communication of the organization.
Analyze the influences of
power within the organization, and explain how these influences affect
the organizational communication:

How are common areas such as lunch rooms utilized? Are people grouped or integrated?

How do employees communicate with each other? Is the
communication predominately formal or informal? What is said in memos or
email? What tones are used in the messages (formal or informal,
pleasant or hostile, etc.)? How often do people communicate with one
another? Is all communication written (email), or do people communicate
verbally?
How is information distributed? Is there a clear
delineation of those who are “in the know” (meaning they are given
company information) and those who are not “in the know”?

Analyze how culture influences the communication within the organization. For example, explain the following:

How is space allocated? Is there a distinction between the
location and size of the office depending on the level of authority in
the organization?
What types of things are posted on bulletin boards or displayed on walls?

What artifacts are displayed on desks or in other areas of the
building? Are family photos or other personal items allowed?
Do employees socialize outside of the workplace? Are they encouraged to do so or discouraged from doing so?
What rituals are followed?

Who are the heroines and heroes that are held up as role models?
What dominant social culture can you identify? What co-cultures can you
identify?

Provide an overall conclusion on what you noticed
about your organization’s culture and if that changed (or maintained)
your perception of the organization in general.
Describe one
thing you would change about this organization’s culture in order to
improve productivity or employee retention. Explain why you believe this
would make a difference.

Additional guidelines:

Cite
at least three appropriate concepts from the textbook relevant to the
cultural studies of organizational communication from Chapter 5 to
support your points.
Accurately apply the concepts related to organizational culture.
Provide practical examples relevant to the substance of the project.
Address clearly and identifiablY each question posed in the assignment.

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