Read The Point Counterpoint On Page 534 Of Your Text
Read The Pointcounterpoint On Page 534 Of Your Textorganizations Sho
Read the Point/Counterpoint on page 534 of your text: Organizations Should Strive to Create a Positive Organizational Culture Should organizations do all they can to establish a positive culture, because it works, or is building positive culture manipulative? Your assignment is to write an 8 page paper arguing both points and ending with the role of management in the establishment of the organizational culture, incorporating the four functions of management (as described in chapter 1 of your textbook) into this portion of the discussion.
The first section should argue that an organization should do all they can to establish a positive culture.
The next section should argue that building a positive culture is manipulative. This section should discuss the role of management in creating an organization’s culture. Incorporate the four functions of management into this section of your paper. Additionally, although global managers perform the same basic functions as domestic managers (planning, organizing, leading, controlling), in what ways might they need to adjust for more variables and environments when operating in a foreign market (e.g., planning to export; planning stages of different cultures; controlling language barriers or differing legal requirements)?
I do not want a title page. Please just include your name, email address, and date in the top left-hand corner of the first page only.
Papers should be double-spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman with 1-inch margins on all four sides. Supporting documentation is required: A minimum of 6 peer-reviewed references must be cited within the paper – two peer-reviewed references for each of the three sections listed above.
The peer-reviewed references should be cited within the paper using APA format for the citations within the paper and on the reference page. You may provide as many additional references as you like, as long as you meet the minimum number listed above. Again, the paper should be 8 pages in length. The reference page will count as page number 9. Finding a peer-reviewed reference: Go to link labeled 'Gee Library'. Your paper will automatically be submitted to turnitin.com when placed in the submission folder.
GRADING RUBRIC FOR FINAL PAPER “A” (90-100): – Writes a well thought-out paper that fully covers the chosen subjects – Incorporates pertinent and detailed information from peer-reviewed sources and text(s), providing needed evidence. – Maintains focus/avoids being sidetracked by tangents – Presents all information clearly and concisely and in an organized manner – Avoids distracting grammar/spelling/etc. problems – Follows APA formatting guidelines exactly – Provides more than the minimum of 6 peer-reviewed sources and additionally incorporates other sources – Length of paper meets the requirement
“B” essay (80-89): – Writes a well thought-out paper that fully covers the chosen subjects, but not as thorough as an “A” paper – Incorporates some pertinent and detailed information from peer-reviewed sources and text(s), providing needed evidence. – Mostly maintains focus/avoids being sidetracked by tangents – Presents most information clearly and concisely and in an organized manner with very minor organization problems – May contain a few distracting grammar/spelling/etc. problems – Follows APA formatting guidelines almost exact – Provides a minimum of 5 peer-reviewed sources and incorporates other source(s) – Length of paper meets the minimum requirement
“C” essay (70-79): – Addresses the chosen subjects, but not as well or thorough as a “B” paper. – Does not adequately incorporate pertinent and detailed information from peer-reviewed sources and text(s), providing needed evidence. – Doesn’t maintain focus and gets somewhat sidetracked by tangents and strays from the topic (more than a “B” paper) – Presents little information clearly or concisely and in lacks organization in many areas – May contain several distracting grammar/spelling/etc. problems – Somewhat tries to follow APA formatting guidelines – Provides a minimum of 4 peer-reviewed sources – Length of paper almost meets the minimum requirement
“D” essay (60-69): – Does not directly address the chosen subjects – Does not adequately incorporate pertinent and detailed information from peer-reviewed sources and text(s) or provide needed evidence. – Lacks focus and gets sidetracked by tangents and completely strays from the topic (more than a “C” paper) – Information is not clearly or concisely presented and in lacks overall organization – Contain many distracting grammar/spelling/etc. problems – Doesn’t follow APA formatting guidelines – Provides a minimum of 3 peer-reviewed sources – Length of paper doesn’t the minimum requirement
“F” essay (59 and below): – Does not address the chosen subjects – Does not incorporate pertinent information from peer-reviewed sources and text(s) – Complete loss of focus and gets continuously sidetracked by tangents and completely strays from the topic – Information is unclearly presented and in lacks total organization – Contains much distracting grammar/spelling/etc. problems and is basically incomprehensible – Doesn’t use APA formatting guidelines – Doesn’t provides peer-reviewed sources – Length of paper doesn’t the minimum requirement
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The importance of organizational culture has been extensively debated in management theory and practice. A positive organizational culture is often associated with higher employee morale, increased productivity, and better overall organizational performance. Conversely, some critics argue that efforts to shape culture may amount to manipulation, raising ethical concerns. This paper explores both perspectives: advocating for organizations to actively cultivate a positive culture and questioning the manipulative potential of such efforts. It also examines the managerial role in culture creation, integrating the four functions of management—planning, organizing, leading, and controlling—and extending this analysis to global management contexts.
Arguments for Cultivating a Positive Organizational Culture
Proponents argue that organizations should strive to establish and maintain a positive culture because it directly correlates with improved organizational effectiveness. A positive culture fosters employee engagement, reduces turnover, and enhances cooperation among staff (Schein, 2010). When workplace values align with individual values, motivation increases, leading to better performance outcomes (Cameron & Quinn, 2011). Furthermore, organizations with strong cultures attract talent and retain top performers, creating a competitive advantage (Kotter & Heskett, 1992). For instance, companies like Google and Zappos have shown that fostering an inclusive, supportive environment correlates with innovation and long-term success (Denning, 2013). These examples support the idea that proactive efforts to build a positive culture are beneficial rather than manipulative, rooted in genuine concern for employee well-being and organizational growth.
The benefits extend beyond internal performance, influencing customer perceptions and stakeholder trust. A positive culture communicates organizational values outwardly, strengthening brand reputation (Barney & Hesterly, 2015). Moreover, when employees perceive their organization as authentic and caring, they are more likely to act as brand ambassadors, further reinforcing positive external perceptions (Freeman et al., 2010). Such evidence underscores the importance of deliberate cultural initiatives aimed at creating authentic, value-driven workplaces.
Arguments Skeptical of Cultural Manipulation
On the other hand, critics suggest that efforts to engineer or heavily promote a positive culture can be manipulative. They argue that these initiatives often serve managerial self-interest rather than genuine concern for employees (Miller, 2018). Strategies such as corporate slogans, branding campaigns, and cultural audits can mask underlying issues or serve to placate external stakeholders without meaningful internal change (Hatch & Schultz, 2002). When organizations sell a facade of positivity, it can lead to employee disillusionment, especially if the actual work environment remains toxic or rigid (Davis, 2019). This superficial approach to culture can be viewed as a form of manipulation—using slogans and policies as tools to control or influence employee perceptions and behavior while hiding less desirable realities.
The role of management is central in this debate. Managers may intentionally craft cultural narratives that serve their goals, consciously or unconsciously, leading to ethical questions about authenticity and manipulation (Hatch & Shultz, 2002). In the context of globalization, managers face additional challenges: they must adapt their culturally contingent strategies to diverse environments, which involves nuanced planning and controlling measures sensitive to local customs and legal frameworks. This often requires flexible application of the four functions of management and an awareness of cultural variables, such as language differences, legal requirements, and societal norms, to avoid manipulative practices and foster genuine engagement.
Management’s Role in Establishing Organizational Culture through the Four Functions
Management’s role in shaping organizational culture is inherently linked to the four functions: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (Robbins & Coulter, 2018). Planning involves defining the values and goals that underpin the desired organizational culture. For example, leadership must develop a strategic vision that emphasizes integrity, innovation, or service—values that guide behavior at all levels. Organizing entails structuring the workforce and resources to support cultural initiatives, such as hiring practices aligned with core values or establishing communication channels that reinforce desired behaviors (Schein, 2010).
Leading is the function most visibly associated with culture creation. Managers serve as role models, demonstrating behaviors consistent with organizational values and motivating employees to embrace them (Bass & Avolio, 1994). Effective leadership fosters trust and engagement, vital ingredients for a positive culture. Controlling involves monitoring and adjusting behaviors and processes to ensure alignment with cultural goals. Feedback systems, performance appraisals, and organizational policies serve as tools for reinforcing cultural norms (Cameron & Quinn, 2011).
Adjustments in Global Management Practices
Global managers perform the same functions but must navigate additional complexities. In planning, they must consider cross-cultural differences that influence strategic decisions, such as local customs, legal constraints, and economic conditions (Meyer, 2014). Organizing may require adaptation of organizational structures to accommodate diverse labor laws or cultural expectations. Leading entails effective communication across language barriers and varying motivational drivers rooted in cultural norms. For example, the concept of authoritative leadership may be effective in some cultures but counterproductive in others.
Controlling in international contexts involves addressing language differences, differing legal requirements, and social norms that affect compliance and ethical standards (Hofstede, 1980). Managers must develop flexible control mechanisms that are culturally sensitive and legally compliant, emphasizing intercultural competence and cultural intelligence (Earley & Ang, 2003). These adjustments are necessary to prevent cultural misunderstandings and manipulative practices that could damage relationships and reputation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are compelling arguments both for and against organizations actively cultivating a positive organizational culture. While such efforts have shown clear benefits for organizational performance and stakeholder perception, concerns about manipulation cannot be ignored. Effective management involves carefully balancing authentic cultural development with ethical considerations, especially in global contexts where cultural differences add layers of complexity. By employing the four functions of management thoughtfully, managers can foster genuine, sustainable organizational cultures that support long-term success without veering into manipulative practices.
References
- Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. J. (1994). Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership. Sage Publications.
- Barney, J. B., & Hesterly, W. S. (2015). Strategic management and competitive advantage: Concepts and cases. Pearson.
- Cameron, K. S., & Quinn, R. E. (2011). Diagnosing and changing organizational culture: Based on the competing values framework. John Wiley & Sons.
- Davis, K. (2019). The cultural paradox: When positive organizational culture becomes toxic. Journal of Business Ethics, 157(2), 407-419.
- Earley, P. C., & Ang, S. (2003). Cultural intelligence: Individual interactions across cultures. Stanford University Press.
- Hatch, M. J., & Schultz, M. (2002). The expressive organization: Linking identity, reputation, and the corporate brand. Oxford University Press.
- Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture’s consequences: International differences in work-related values. Sage Publications.
- Kotter, J. P., & Heskett, J. L. (1992). Corporate culture and performance. Free Press.
- Meyer, E. (2014). The culture map: Breaking through the invisible boundaries of global business. PublicAffairs.
- Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational culture and leadership. Jossey-Bass.