Understanding Organizational Culture and its Impact on Behavior

Running Head: ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
Name of the Student:
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ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT1
1. In your own words, identify and discuss the main argument (also
known as a thesis or line of reasoning) presented in this article (200
words +/- 10% = 2 marks).
Watkins (2013), in his article tries to determine what the definition or
definitions of organizational culture could be. The author argues that, in
understanding organizational aspects, it has been widely accepted that organizational
culture is a truth and has much impact in organizational behavior, nowhere could a
proper definition be found. The presence of organizational culture has been accepted
as given. However, no literature can be found on the effects organizational culture
have on the behavior of the organization or whether it is a changeable aspect. As
organizational culture is believed to be ingrained within the organization and thus a
pillar to the structure of the organization, it becomes necessary that the term and its
various aspects are defined properly and their relationship and impact on the various
organizational organs and elements be analyzed. This will further help in the process
of developing better cultures and detect the problems that lies in an organization. The
various responses of the users and the authors explanation of them brings out the
ambiguity that surrounds the concept of organizational culture.
2. In your own words, identify and discuss the assumptions and
limitations of the research in the article that readers need to be
aware of. (250 words+/- 10% = 2 marks).
Watkins (2013), in his essay analyzes the concepts and aspects of
organizational culture. The main assumption that revolves there is the existence of
organizational culture. It has no clear definition or explanation as to what is

ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT2
organizational culture, in which way organizational culture is related to the different
aspects of an organization. There is also the assumption that organizational culture
change with time, while there is no insight into the question whether it can be changed
or transformed by leaders. The problem with this practice is that without the proper
knowledge and understanding of the concept, one cannot develop a best practice
method or models and frameworks that will help transforming the organizational
culture in changing scenario.
The essay has certain limitations as well. While respondents say that the
behavioral patterns are what constitute organizational culture, the question remains
that whether the forces that have the ability to shape organizational culture are the
whole of it or the outputs of those forces is what organizational culture is. Another
limitation of the essay is that though it is understood from the study that
organizational culture is related to incentives, it is not clearly discernable what kind of
relation they share. it leaves the room of argument whether incentives are result of a
fundamental organizational practice or the reason behind it.
3. In your own words, identify and discuss the main conclusions of this
article (200 words+/- 10% = 4 marks).
Watkins (2013), concludes his essay with an analysis on the dynamic nature of
the organizational culture. The shift or changes in culture is continuous and gradual.
This is the reason why organizational culture is a difficult topic to grasp. It is difficult
to aim a target that is moving continuously. Though, this presents with a possibility
for the organizations. As the change is gradual and incremental, it is easier to integrate
with. Any sudden change or shift in an organization creates disruption in the working
of the organization which will not be a risk in case of organizational change. Sudden
or large-scale organizational change in culture can happen if the small changes or