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Organizational Culture in Action
A Cultural Analysis Workbook
Second Edition
- Gerald W. Driskill - University of Arkansas at Little Rock, USA
- Angela Laird Brenton - University of Arkansas at Little Rock, USA
November 2010 | 256 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
`Applying the metaphor of method acting, this workbook is an essential primer for classes in communication and organizational culture. In a cogent and easily accessible style, it provides superb guidelines for observing, interpreting, and understanding the subtle and complex nuances of an organization's culture. The integration of qualitative research methods with cultural analyses makes this text distinctive and valuable addition to any organizational communication class' - Linda Putnam, University of California, Santa Barbara
Based on more than 20 years of experience the authors help students apply cultural insights to fostering diversity, supporting organizational change, making leadership more dynamic, exploring the link between ethics and culture, and making organizations more effective overall.
Unique to Organizational Culture in Action are the various examples the authors have included, which are taken from their consulting experience with more than 150 organizations. An example analysis from a student has also been included to show novice researchers how they too can improve their organizational performance using this workbook.
Preface
Acknowledgments
Part I. CULTURAL ANALYSIS PLANNING
1. Introduction: Setting the Stage
2. The Significance of the Stage
Part II. CULTURAL ANALYSIS BASICS
3. Step One--Understanding the Concept of Culture: Constructing the Set
4. Step Two--Identifying Cultural Elements: Understanding Roles
Part III. CULTURAL DATA COLLECTION AND INTERPRETATION
5. Method Acting: Textual Analysis
6. Method Acting: Observation
7. Method Acting: Interviews and Surveys
8. Step Four--Synthesizing and Interpreting Cultural Data: Getting Inside the Character
Part IV. CULTURAL ANALYSIS APPLICATION
9. Casting Against Type: Diversity
10. Improvisation: Managing Change
11. An Honest Portrayal: Ethics
7. Method Acting: Interviews and Surveys
8. Step Four: Synthesizing and Interpreting Cultural Data: Getting Inside the Character
Part IV. CULTURAL ANALYSIS APPLICATION
9. Casting Against Type: Diversity
10. Improvisation: Managing Change
11. An Honest Portrayal: Ethics
12. The Director’s Chair: Symbolic Leadership
13. Reading Reviews: Organizational Effectiveness
14. Opening Night: Conclusion
Appendix: Example Student Analysis
References
Index
About the Authors
Supplements
Student Study Site
An open-access student study site includes:
- E-Flashcards: This study tool reinforces student understanding of key terms and concepts that have been outlined in the chapters.
- SAGE Journal Articles: A “Learning from SAGE Journal Articles” feature provides access to recent, relevant full-text articles from SAGE’s leading research journals. Each article supports and expands on the concepts presented in the chapter.
- Web Resources: These links to relevant websites direct both instructors and students to additional resources for further research on important chapter topics.
- Web Quizzes: Flexible self-quizzes allow students to independently assess their progress in learning course material.
- Example Papers: These "executive summary" focused reports and papers provide a fuller discussion of methods and data. Some papers represent the work of an individual student, whereas others are dyad or team based projects.
Instructor Teaching Site
A password-protected instructor teaching site includes:
- Discussion Questions: Chapter-specific questions help launch discussion by prompting students to engage with the material, and by reinforcing important content.
- Essay Questions: Essay questions for every chapter will aid instructors in assessing students’ progress and understanding.
"This workbook does a tremendous job of making a lot of complex information easy to understand and apply to real situations."
Idaho State University
"Excellent and most applicable for any organization going through restructuring."
DePaul University
Still reviewing, would like to add a new course or change text in Capstone.
Business & Economics, University of Cincinnati Blue Ash
February 19, 2014
Useful for supplementary reading and gaining another aspect of culture.
Hotel Tourism & Retail Management, Robert Gordon University
September 24, 2013
Fantastic book to help students walk through an organizational cultural assessment.
Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations, Case Western Reserve University
November 12, 2011
It's very interesting, but didn't quite work for me.
Management / IB, St Josephs University
September 30, 2011
wow what a book!!!. for me as a lecturer it is full of inspiration for teaching. for students it is clear and concise.
Health Sciences, Southampton University
January 28, 2011
