Instructions: Imagine You Are An Anthropologist Encountering

Instructionsimagine You Are An Anthropologist Encountering Your Organ

Imagine you are an anthropologist encountering your organization in the wild for the first time. Coming to it with naive, fresh eyes, what seems to be important to these people, what are they doing? Complete the following: Choose a company and explore its culture. (This can be the same company that you discussed in this week's discussion). Examine each of the following items and discuss what you find in complete sentences. Name of Company Encountered Heroes & Legends Known in the Company Sayings & Language Utilized in the Organization Unique Customs for this Organization Values & Beliefs of the Organization Artifacts

Paper For Above instruction

As an anthropologist observing a corporate environment for the first time, it is crucial to understand the organizational culture, embodied through its heroes, stories, language, customs, values, and artifacts. For this exploration, I have selected Google, a renowned technology company known for its innovative environment and distinctive corporate culture. The analysis aims to uncover what elements are prioritized within the organization and how they manifest in daily practices, symbols, and shared beliefs.

Google’s culture is rich with heroes and legends that serve as aspirational figures exemplifying company values. One prominent hero is Sergey Brin and Larry Page, the founders whose innovative vision revolutionized internet search. Their story of perseverance and disruptive thinking embodies Google’s commitment to innovation and risk-taking. Similarly, other heroes include early employees who contributed to foundational products or those who have exemplified Google's values through extraordinary achievement.

The stories and legends circulate within Google emphasize creativity, collaboration, and user focus. These narratives serve to motivate employees, fostering a sense of identity rooted in pioneering spirit and continuous improvement. Common sayings include “Don’t be evil,” which encapsulates the ethical stance guiding decision-making, and “Focus on the user and all else will follow,” reflecting the customer-centric philosophy. Such language reinforces the company's core principles and shapes behavior.

Unique customs at Google include regular “TGIF” meetings, where leadership discusses company updates, and “20 percent time,” encouraging employees to pursue innovative projects outside their core responsibilities. These customs promote open communication and innovation, ensuring that employees feel valued and integral to the company’s mission. Additionally, the company’s famous perks and informal dress code foster a relaxed, creative environment, further emphasizing its distinctive customs.

The values and beliefs of Google center around innovation, transparency, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The organization believes in making information universally accessible and useful, aligning its mission with societal benefits. This belief manifests in a flat organizational structure that encourages input from employees at all levels, promoting transparency and collaboration.

Artifacts within Google’s culture include its iconic logo, open-office layouts, and innovative workspaces designed to stimulate creativity. Additionally, tangible symbols such as their hardware products, promotional materials, and branded apparel serve as artifacts that reinforce the company’s identity. These artifacts create a shared environment that visually and physically embodies Google’s values and culture.

In conclusion, approaching Google as an anthropologist reveals a complex and vibrant culture characterized by legendary founders, motivating stories, distinctive language, customs promoting innovation, core values emphasizing ethics and societal impact, and artifacts that symbolize its identity. Understanding these elements provides insight into what drives the organization forward and how its culture shapes employee behavior and organizational success.

References

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