In response to the request for material to learn about changing
organizational culture. Word of warning. Our organization has gone
through an abrupt change of culture. we have gone from a very Western
top down heirarchial model towards a team approach with information
flowing more easily between levels. There has been three years of
sabatogue which has hurt many and held up the transition. I would
reccommend the clients also understand power struggle and politics.
Ed Brenegar wrote:
> I have three academic philosophers who apart from their academic pursuits
> give presentations, primarily on ethics, to business and corporate
> audiences. One of those clients has asked them to help change their
> corporate culture, and have asked me to help them design the process and
> facilitate it. The issues center around trust and communication, but may
> extend beyond that after we have conducted an assessment of their culture.
>
> These guys need a quick course in corporate culture theory and change.
> What would you recommend that these guys read or websites to visit which
> would bring them up to speed in say about 10 days. I'm looking in
> particular for articles rather than books like Shein's "Organizational
> Culture and Leadership."
>
> Part of my recommendation to them is to visit the LO archives and read our
> postings on this topic. I think would provide current application to
> theory. What else is relevant. What do you hand out to clients who need
> to learn about this area.
I would reccommend any corporation which is looking for outside
consultant bring in people who understand politics and power alignments
within the organization. In changing a corporate culture one is changing
the power structure. if those who are going to "loose" control of their
domain with a culture change, they need to be educated as tho the benefits
and where they will fit in or you will have sabatogue and many workers
will be hurt and confused. Make sure the lines of communication are clear
through the time of transition and take time to transition. Leadership
will arise in the transition period. allow them to lead and keep those
who are against the change in check. If you would like more details
please e-mail me separately at alex1@aloha.net. I am not sure reading
material will prepare anyone for this. Change brings out the worst and
the best in people. Change usually means a mindset change and those who
are comfortable and set in their ways will have the hardest time to
change.
Alexandra Jackson
--Alexandra Jackson <alex1@aloha.net>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>