Organizational Behaviour: A Case Study of BBC's Cultural Transformation

This assignment delves into the organizational behaviour of the BBC, examining its cultural transformation from a power-driven, unethical environment in the 1970s to a more employee-centric approach in contemporary times. It analyzes the impact of Handy's cultural typology, content and process theories of motivation, and team development models on the organization's effectiveness. The study explores how the BBC has implemented strategies to improve team performance and productivity, highlighting the importance of leadership, communication, and a positive work culture.

Organizational Behaviour
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Table of Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................................3
Task 1................................................................................................................................4
Task 2................................................................................................................................8
Task 3..............................................................................................................................11
Task 4..............................................................................................................................14
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................16
Reference List..................................................................................................................17
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Introduction
Organizational behaviour is a code of conduct that is preferred in an organization. It is
defined as an interface between organization and human behaviour. A study deals how
an individual performs their role in an organization. In this assignment, the
organizational behaviour of BBC has been studied in a detailed manner. In 1970s, the
organization had acted in a passive manner in dealing affair of the employees. During
the time of Stuart Hall and Jimmy Savile, it had been noticed that higher authorities had
harassed the employees. In contemporary time, after recruitment of Valerie Hughes
D’Aeth it is noticed that the employees are given importance in expressing their
opinions. In this assignment, it is discussed about this changed organizational
behaviour within BBC.
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Task 1
a. Using Handy’s cultural typology (1986) or an alternative academic cultural
model, identify and discuss the earlier organizational culture within the BBC, as
observed by the Smith review
Charles Handy has proposed a model defining a proper organizational culture. It is
based on four different cultural contexts- power, task, person, and role.
Power Culture
It is a culture where few individuals have authorial power to exercise. A group of
politically motivated and power oriented individuals control the organization in their own
terms in this culture. This culture faces adverse consequences as the higher officials
always try to influence the others. Previously BBC followed such pattern of culture in
workplace. Few officials had the power to exercise over the employees. This toxic
cultural practice within BBC brought a bad impression about the organization (Yahyagil,
2015).
Task Culture
This culture focuses on bringing together potential employees with diverse skills. So
such kind of culture helps the organization in making decisions. Here the power lies in
the hands on experts rather on any specific individual. BBC is a hub of employees with
diversified skills. Any work is executed efficiently within stipulated time by the
organization.
Person Culture
This culture is not welcomed by most of the organization due to its unusual approach.
However, an individual has the power to exert the organization has sole power to evict
an employee. In BBC, in 1970s, it became an example of practicing of this kind of
culture.
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Role Culture
An organization functions according to the roles performed by the employees. A power
structure is built up on the performances of the employees. BBC had followed this
structure previously that in turn always threatened the subordinates working under such
higher authorities. This culture was quite bureaucratic in nature as the power was
disseminated among few individuals (Serrat, 2017).
In Smith review about BBC, it had been discussed about unethical work culture in
1970s. The study showed how higher authorities had abused 72 employees in
workplace. In the report, Smith had told about the inappropriate behaviour of the
organization showed towards the complaints made by the employees. There were
evidences where the careers of the complainants affected after complaints. In this
review, Smith had criticised the work culture of BBC and their ignorant behaviour
towards victims (Bbc.co.uk. 2018). The organization behaved in such a way due to the
influence of role and power culture of higher authorities. The report told how the
organization did not take any severe actions on the accused. Due to such power
structure, the organization had been sceptical about any actions against the accused.
b. How has culture, power and politics affected the behaviour within the BBC in
the recent past and today
The culture of power and politics influence massively the organizational behaviour of
BBC. These are the concerning factors in defining the power dynamics of the
employees. Previously the culture of power and politics played a role in introducing
unethical work culture for the employees. The power politics had restrained the
employees in coming out any kind of discussion with the authority. After recruiting new
HR director, the organizational behaviour has revamped. It helps the organization for
sharing any difficult issues faced in workplace. The leadership was under question as
the organization had been biased in addressing the complaints against the accused.
The leaders had safeguarded the higher officials because of their roles within BBC.
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Influence of Culture
The work culture of BBC in 1970 was criticised mostly due to its unethical approach
towards the victims regarding the complaints. After recruitment of new HR director, the
employees in recent times get the chance to discuss about their work related issues.
For the success of any organization, it is necessary to be goal oriented (Elsmore, 2017).
In 1970s the leadership of BBC was questioned due to their biased attitudes. This in
turn affected the productivity of the organization. If the employees get proper benefits
from the organization, then only they will be loyal to the organization.
Influence of power
In the report, Smith had discussed about the inappropriate behaviour of few individuals
towards the subordinates. She criticised about the power struggle played by few higher
officials in holding the ranks in organization. The organization also defended the
accused from the victims. On the other hand, the careers of the victims were damaged.
It shows the influence of power of few individuals within the organization. Recently, the
employees are given opportunities to discuss about their issues with the higher
authorities. The culture in BBC has undergone changes. The changes are taken for the
benefits of the employees. Now the potential employees are given specific roles to
perform (Banfield, 2017).
Influence of politics
Power and politics are two driving forces within business structure. Politics can be both
positive and negative in nature. Positive politics always encourages productivity from
the employees. Here the higher officials use their power and position within the
organization to motivate the employees for quality work. The negative politics in an
organization show the favouritism towards specific employees (Dutton and Ragins,
2017). It always decreases the quality and productivity of work. In 1970s BBC
encouraged this negative politics in workplace. The higher officials were safeguarded
due to their roles and positions in BBC. After recruitment of new HR director, the
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managerial positions have been shuffled completely. In contemporary days BBC does
not have those specific employees for exerting their powers. After shuffling, the
organization has been changed in approaching any kind of difficulties among the
employees. Reward system has been introduced for the employees due to their good
performances in workplace. Therefore, it shows a positive culture of politics that
encourages the potential employees in performing good quality work.
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Task 2
Provide examples of how content and process theories of motivation, along with
other motivational techniques may have helped to improve the effectiveness in
the teams within the BBC
The content and process theories of motivation have differences in approach. The
content theory focuses mostly on WHAT whereas process theory is all about HOW the
motivation functions in an organization. These theories of motivation are used in
organization to bring positive outcomes in productivity and quality of work. In content
theory Maslow’s hierarchical needs and in process theory Vroom’s expectancy theory
are discussed in vivid.
Maslow’s Hierarchical Needs
In psychology, this five-tier theory has defined human needs in details in form of a
pyramid. The stages can be distinguished in two different parts according to the levels
of needs. The first four levels is for deficiency needs whereas the last level is for growth
needs. This theory states how an individual should think about the lowest needs at first.
Gradually the employee should reach the highest needs (Robertson, 2016). To survive
in any organization should come under first in the priority list of the employee. With
passage of time, the employee should look after the quality and productivity of the work.
Previously in BBC, conflict of interests among the employees was noticed. The higher
authorial was concerned about personal growth of career. It showed a difference in
approach in handling an issue. The subordinates were forced to work under unethical
work culture. The leaders were failure in motivating the employees in such workplace. In
contemporary times, BBC has reorganized its managerial posts so that it introduces
different work culture among the employees. The management also looks after the
deficiency needs of the employees as well as look after the growth in careers of the
employees. Recently, it is noticed how both the management and the employees are
working together for organizational success.
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Figure 1: Maslow’s hierarchical needs
(Source: Niemela and Kim, 2014)
Vroom’s expectancy theory
This theory is based on three beliefs- Valence, Expectancy and instrumentality.
Valence refers the extrinsic and intrinsic needs of an employee. The organization must
understand the value of the employees. Expectancy is a two-fold process where both
the employee and the authority must know about their own skills and expectations
(Parijat and Bagga, 2014). Instrumentality deals with the perception of the employees.
In this stage, the employees must look after their own occupational success. This theory
is a deliberate decision made by the employees for choosing the right option. It focuses
mostly on the employee’s performance. The potential employees are rewarded due to
the performance. BBC recently encourages employees with diversified skills and
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rewards the deserving employees for the performance. In this way, the organization has
channelized the resources in proper ways to bring out effective results.
b) How will improved levels of motivation within the BBC help to achieve its
organization’s goals?
BBC has used these theories to increase the productivity of the employees. The leaders
motivate the employees to bring positive outcome sin business structure.
Reward system
It is deduced from Vroom’s expectancy theory, rewards are given to the potential
employees for performances. This kind of approach of the management towards the
employees always encourages the latter to work enthusiastically (Cummings and
Worley, 2014). BBC can easily figure out the competent employees based on
performances. This kind of performance-based reward makes employees loyal towards
the organization.
Positive work culture
Previously the adverse work culture caused difficulties to the employees to work in
coherence with the authority. In 1970s, it was a blend of politics and power in BBC. This
caused negative work politics among the employees. If the employees are not given
proper work culture, then it affects the productivity of the organization. The management
was oblivious in resolving the issues of the victims. In contemporary times, employees
with diversities work together for improving the quality of the work in BBC. The
management encourages different opinions and perspectives of the employees.
Proper training process
Previously BBC recruited employees based on personal recommendation. This affected
the productivity of the organization. After new HR director, the organization always has
been selective in recruiting the potential candidates for any kind of post. In 1970s, BBC
suffered a lot due to internal chaos, which in turn affected the quality of the work.
Recently the organization is selective in providing the proper training to the employees.
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The process of training helps the employees to cope up with the work culture in BBC
(Larsen, 2017). By giving such training to the employees, the organization indulges in
securing its own quality of work from the employees.
Employee relations
Earlier the workplace had been adverse for the employees due to harassment issues.
The management acted indifferently in resolving such issues with the employees. The
careers of the victims were damaged due to the influence of few officials. Recently, BBC
has showed positive attitudes towards the employees. The leaders motivate the
employees to work together for organizational success. This kind of workplace culture
actually uplifts behaviour of the employees towards the company.
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Task 3
Identify and explain the different types of teams (you must include functional,
problem solving and project and virtual teams), within the BBC and why having
different types of teams is important.
In any esteemed organization, the employees are recruited based on skills. The
management plays an important role in leading the employees to work together in a
team for success of the business. BBC has also sorted out the employees based on
their skills. Mostly these teams work together to achieve a well defined goal.
Functional team
This team comprises of employees with defined skills. Creativity is the lifeblood of the
organization. It always wants to deliver the best news piece to the spectators. This
teams comprises of small teams like editorial team, strategy team, direction team and
governance team. All the members work in all these sectors for the best quality work.
Problem solving team
BBC has introduced this team in the organization for resolving problems with different
perspectives. In this team, different employees with different set of skills are resolving
the similar problems with divergent perspectives. BBC will look after the best solution
that is applicable for the growth of the organization (Rao, 2016).
Project team
This team accomplishes its work in stipulated time efficiently. BBC has made out teams
of competent individuals. Mostly these employees always fulfill the requirements of
BBC. This team has self-assessing quality to produce the best quality work for the
organization. The success of this kind of team lies in the good skills of communication.
Virtual team
This team focuses on the business structure. This team takes innovative strategies for
the better use of technology. The promotion of business structure of BBC is dependent
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on the implementation of the strategies. This team tries to manage the online platform of
the organization. It also studies online trends that are fruitful for the success of BBC
(Carlson et al., 2017).
BBC has utilizing the skills of all these teams in different ways. Earlier the work culture
of BBC was affected due to stagnancy in approach. Recently it shows how the
management tries to introduce positive work culture for the employees. This kind of
positive work politics help the employees for accomplishing goals of the organization. It
also allows the employees for working together in team in an effective manner. The
work culture of BBC in 1970s was a failure due to the presence of unethical work
environment. Whereas by introducing such effective teams together, the organization is
successful in achieving goals.
b) Explain what makes an effective team in the BBC. In answering this question
you should relate to appropriate theory such as Tuckman and Jensen’s model of
team development and/or Belbin’s team roles.
The organization makes effective teams because it gives the employees an opportunity
for working together. It also improves positive relations among the employees. The
success of these teams lies on how effectively they are delivering their tasks. Tuckman
and Jensen’s model is used in BBC for developing team effectively.
Forming
In this initial stage, random individuals are selecting for a team. Mostly the employees
are unconscious about their roles in the team. Any specific employee engages in
assigning the work role of fellow team members. BBC takes this technique for
assimilating skills of different employees.
Storming
This stage is quite stressful for the employees. It is a strenuous activity of the employee
to manage with the work culture of the fellow team members. Different personnel work
in a different role under different situation. Therefore, it is difficult for a specific
employee to understand, what kind of role to perform in workplace. BBC has tried to find
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out how a particular employee works under specific situation, and his approach towards
the problems. The employees become aware of the production style of programs of
BBC in this stage (Natvig and Stark, 2016).
Norming
This stage plays an important role in making an effective team. The employees resolve
any kind of personal issues in this stage among themselves. The employees work
coherently in this stage without addressing any personal issues. This stage shows how
the employees have been respectful towards each other.
Performing
The management of BBC looks after the employee’s performances. The leaders always
direct the employees in a proper direction for bringing out the best result for the
organization. The management of BBC monitors all the performances constantly.
Adjourning
This final compromises how to restructure the organization completely. BBC has
revamped the organization because it brings better performances out of the employees.
With the similar work culture, the productivity has been affected, so this approach is
useful in bringing positive business structure.
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Task 4
Using an appropriate organizational concept/theory (such as path-goal theory)
suggest how team performance and productivity could be improved within the
BBC.
Each organization has implemented different theories for assessing the performance of
the employees. BBC has executed the path-goal theory for understanding the
improvement of the organization. The skills of the employees can be studied properly by
analyzing this theory properly. The leaders use this tool of motivation for better
emancipation of the employees. Earlier the organization had a regressive work culture.
The employees faced bad consequences due to such adverse approach of the
management. It is the role of the leaders to motivate the employees for channelizing the
skills in an effective manner. The leaders of BBC introduce styles like directive,
supportive, participative and achievement oriented for motivating the potential
employees for better performances. The success of the organization depends on the
high skills of the leaders for directing the employees (Chemers, 2014). The leaders
encourage innovative approaches of the employees. Leaders always execute a well-
defined plan for the employees and empower teamwork always for better execution of
the work. Presently BBC is successful due to its cooperative attitudes and positive work
culture for the employees. Path-goal theory is based on Vroom’s expectancy theory,
where the leaders introduce a comfortable work culture for the employees. This
leadership style is taken to empower the effective role of the employees in the
organization. The leaders always suggest the employees to overcome the obstacles.
The leaders have to design the task in such a way that the task has to be attained within
stipulated time.
b) What have been the main barriers to effective performance within the BBC?
There are barriers in the path of success of any organization. Mostly these factors are
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Bad communicative skills
The success of effective team is possible due to presence of good skills of
communication among the employees. If the employees do not have proper idea about
the job role, then it is difficult in performing the task. Presently, BBC focuses on good
communicative skills for better performance of the employees. Due to strong skills of
communication, the management can resolve any issue easily (Rosenbach, 2018)
Lack of plan
The leaders of any esteemed organization have proper plan to execute. It is the role of
the leaders for directing the employees in executing particular task efficiently. BBC
always encourages innovative ideas from the employees. These ideas help the leaders
to design a scheme of work for better execution of the task without compromising the
quality.
Proper objective
BBC is one the reputed organizations in news industry. Therefore, it is necessary to
understand objectives completely for the organization. Creativity is the sole purpose of
this channel to broadcast for the spectators. In terms of content, BBC has a special
strategy team for selection. The organization always tries to be innovative as compared
to other organizations in this industry. Therefore, in contemporary times, the
management never wants to compromise with the quality of the content.
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Conclusion
The culture of politics and power plays an important role in understanding the
organizational behaviour of the employees. It was noticed, earlier BBC faced issues in
the workplace due to their unethical approaches. Mostly the employees were affected
due to presence of adverse situation in the organization. There are many issues behind
this attitude of the organization. The issues are mainly- lack of leadership skills,
stagnant attitude of management, exertion of power by few individuals, and unresolved
problems with employees. Presently, the organization has introduced positive work
culture for beneficial of the employees. The management deals strictly in dealing issues
like discrimination, and employee relations. It is believed for better performances of the
employees it is necessary to introduce positive organizational behaviour.
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