RN to BSN Program – 180 Credits General Education Syllabus – ✓ Solved

To prepare for this discussion, read the assigned textbook chapters and the articles, How Leadership Affects Culture and Culture Affects Leadership and The Critical Importance of Business Ethics for Effective Leadership. Complete the “Leader's Self-Insight 14.2. Culture Preference Inventory,” the “Leader's Self-Insight 15.1. Resistance to Change,” and the “Leader's Self-Insight 15.2. Are You a Change Leader?” activities in the textbook. Reflect on what the results suggest about you as a leader and what observations others might make of you that are in your blind spot. You are not required to share your specific results when discussing these activities, but are welcome to if you are comfortable doing so.

To successfully complete this discussion, your post should minimally include the following:

  • Begin by comparing and contrasting the strong achievement culture with the strong involvement culture. Distinguish some potential advantages and disadvantages of each.
  • Determine specific actions you can take to implement the five techniques discussed in the text to expand your own and others' creativity and facilitate organizational innovation in your current work environment or in a career/professional environment you are considering.
  • Analyze the culture for an organization you are familiar with. You do not have to name the specific organization. In your description, include the following:
    • Identify some physical artifacts (e.g., logo, mascot, building, marketing images) associated with the company and discuss what underlying values these suggest.
    • Appraise the extent to which the actual business operation, staffing, and work environment of that organization are consistent with the values communicated by the physical artifacts.
    • Describe any cultural gaps. If you are not aware of any cultural gaps, summarize how you might recognize a culture gap.
    • Appraise the extent to which the organization reflects a responsive versus resistant culture.
    • Classify the organization in terms of the Four Corporate Cultures discussed in the text. Explain your rationale.
    • Compile a list of techniques a leader in that organization might use to influence and change cultural values when necessary.

  • Support ideas you share in your post with a minimum of three credible scholarly and peer-reviewed sources published within the last ten years and document your sources by including APA-formatted citations and references.

Post your initial response of 500 words or more by Day 3 (Thursday).

Paper For Above Instructions

The evolution of corporate culture is significant for organizations aiming to stay competitive in the ever-changing market environment. One of the crucial aspects of this evolution is the interplay between various types of corporate cultures, primarily strong achievement and strong involvement cultures. Each has its unique strengths and weaknesses, which organizations must weigh when determining the most beneficial culture for their mission and values.

Strong achievement cultures focus primarily on results and performance metrics. They encourage competition and individual achievement, typically rewarding high performers with promotions and bonuses. While this can drive short-term results and foster a high level of commitment among employees, it might also lead to a lack of collaboration and a feeling of isolation among team members. In contrast, strong involvement cultures prioritize employee engagement, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. They foster an inclusive environment where employees feel valued, which can enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover rates; however, this is not without drawbacks, such as potential slow decision-making processes due to the emphasis on consensus.

To implement five techniques to foster innovation and creativity, leaders can adopt strategies such as encouraging open communication, providing resources for skill development, granting autonomy to employees in their roles, promoting diversity of thought, and recognizing and rewarding innovative ideas. By fostering these elements, leaders can create a conducive environment for creativity, whereby employees feel encouraged to contribute their unique perspectives, ultimately leading to enhanced organizational innovation.

Analyzing the culture of an organization, one can often spot physical artifacts such as its logo, office layout, or marketing materials. For instance, a tech company may present a modern, open workspace with a youthful logo, suggesting an underlying value placed on innovation and approachability. Assessing whether the operations within the organization align with these values is crucial; if employees are confined to rigid hierarchies and discouraged from sharing ideas, a cultural gap may exist. Recognizing such gaps involves looking at employee satisfaction surveys or feedback mechanisms that reveal disconnects between what the organization claims to value and how it operates.

A responsive culture is characterized by adaptability and willingness to embrace change from all levels of management. On the other hand, a resistant culture tends to shy away from change, reflecting fear or skepticism towards new initiatives. Distinguishing between these cultures within an organization can be made evident through responses to change initiatives, employee engagement levels, and instances of conflict arising from the introduction of new processes.

The Four Corporate Cultures include the role, task, person, and achievement cultures. Classifying an organization within one of these categories helps leaders focus on the most effective cultural strategies for influencing change. For instance, if an organization is predominantly a task culture, methods like collaborative project teams might be necessary to enhance innovation. Conversely, an organization identified as a person culture may warrant leadership that seeks to empower individuals rather than relying on strict hierarchy.

Techniques that a leader might employ to influence cultural values include creating opportunities for employee involvement in decision-making, implementing mentorship programs to facilitate knowledge sharing, and establishing clear vision statements that outline the desired culture. These techniques can gradually solidify new cultural values and reinforce them within the operational framework of the organization.

In conclusion, understanding the dynamics of corporate culture, particularly the distinction between strong achievement and strong involvement cultures, is foundational for organizational leaders. By effectively employing strategic techniques, recognizing cultural artifacts, and promoting responsiveness to change, organizations can better navigate the complexities of modern business environments. This nuanced approach can foster innovation while bridging any cultural gaps that may exist.

References

  • Daft, R.L. (2018). The leadership experience (7th ed.). Cengage Learning.
  • Ebersole, G. (2007). The Critical Importance of Business Ethics for Effective Leadership. Journal of Leadership Studies, 1(1), 77-78.
  • Rosenberg, M. (2009). How Leadership Affects Culture and Culture Affects Leadership. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 30(7), 651-670.
  • Oreg, S. (2006). Resistance to Change: Developing an Individual Differences Measure. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88(4), 680-693.
  • Ashford, S.J., Rothbard, N.P., Piderit, S.K., & Dutton, J.E. (1998). Out on a Limb: The Role of Context and Impression Management in Issue Selling. Administrative Science Quarterly, 43(1), 23-57.
  • Morrison, E.W., & Phelps, C.C. (2003). Taking Charge at Work: Extrarole Efforts to Initiate Workplace Change. Academy of Management Journal, 46(4), 403-419.
  • Kotter, J.P. (2012). Leading Change. Harvard Business Review Press.
  • Schein, E.H. (2010). Organizational Culture and Leadership (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
  • Burke, W.W. (2017). Organization Change: Theory and Practice (4th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.
  • Lewis, L.K. (2011). Organizational Change: Creating Change Through Strategic Communication. Wiley-Blackwell.