This paper presents a thorough literature review on the definitions of culture and various approaches in analysis and investigation of organizational culture. It examines the cultural development in fast growing start-ups and their ability to adjust.
Many authors have attempted to define organizational culture. Some refer to it as an intentional behavior pattern or even as a set of business strategies that enable a group to accomplish its goals while others as refer to it as a more developing-emergent pattern that evolves from 'things that work' in the organization.
Organizational culture has also been proposed to be comprised of a set of values, beliefs and assumptions that define not only the way a company operates but also the identities of relevant employees, customers, vendors and even competitors.
Table of Contents
LITERATURE REVIEW
Definitions of culture
Planned culture vs. Emergent culture
Climate vs. culture
Properties and typologies of organizational culture
Investigating and analyzing culture
Culture and Innovation
Organizational Culture & Creativity
Culture & Politics
Leadership & Cultures
National Cultures
TEAM CULTURES INSIDE A FAST-GROWING START-UP COMPANY
Background
The conflict between current culture and the company's status quo
Leadership conflict
The national culture effect
Conclusion
RECOMMENDATIONS
Updated analysis of current situation
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the complex relationship between organizational culture, leadership styles, and corporate growth, using the internet company Wix.com as a primary case study to analyze how a firm's internal cultural dynamics evolve during rapid expansion.
- Theoretical definitions of organizational culture, climate, and various cultural typologies.
- The influence of organizational culture on innovation, creativity, and internal political behavior.
- The impact of national culture on organizational structure and multinational teams.
- A practical case study of Wix.com, applying the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI).
- Strategic recommendations for managing cultural transition in rapidly growing firms.
Excerpt from the Book
Definitions of culture
Many authors have attempted to define organizational culture. Some refer to it as an intentional behavior pattern or even as a set of business strategies that enable a group to accomplish its goals (Schein, 1984 ; Peters & Waterman, 1982) while others as refer to it as a more developing-emergent pattern that evolves from 'things that work' in the organization(Bowers, 1997).
Organizational culture has also been proposed to be comprised of a set of values, beliefs and assumptions that define not only the way a company operates but also the identities of relevant employees, customers, vendors and even competitors (Barney, 1986).
Within the marketing industry,organizational culture is considered as a set of assumptions and beliefs, with the customer as the source for those properties. As research found, American companies that failed in the European, Japanese and other Asian markets were lacking the suitable organizational culture tomatch the needs of the consumers of the new market.
Summary of Chapters
LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter provides a theoretical foundation by contrasting different definitions of culture, examining the role of leadership, and exploring the impact of internal politics and national backgrounds on organizational behavior.
TEAM CULTURES INSIDE A FAST-GROWING START-UP COMPANY: This chapter applies the theoretical framework to the specific case of Wix.com, identifying a conflict between the company’s "Adhocracy" culture and its current status as a massive global corporation.
RECOMMENDATIONS: This chapter suggests that Wix.com needs to evolve its management style and cultural framework to ensure sustainable growth, recommending the adoption of more stable and controlled procedures.
Keywords
Organizational Culture, Adhocracy, Competing Values Framework, Leadership Styles, Innovation, Corporate Growth, OCAI, Start-up, Multinational Teams, Organizational Politics, Change Management, Business Strategy, Wix.com, Cultural Typologies, Management Performance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The work investigates the dynamics of organizational culture and how it affects business performance and innovation, particularly within the context of rapidly growing start-up companies.
What are the key themes addressed in the paper?
Central themes include the distinction between culture and climate, the role of leadership in cultural change, the influence of national culture on business practices, and the link between organizational structure and creative output.
What is the core research objective?
The objective is to analyze the organizational culture of Wix.com using the Competing Values Framework to understand the gap between the company's current "Adhocracy" cultural tendencies and its operational needs as a large-scale organization.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The author uses a mixed-methods approach, combining a comprehensive literature review with a practical qualitative and quantitative assessment of the marketing department at Wix.com using the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI).
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers theoretical models by Schein, Cameron & Quinn, and Greiner, followed by a detailed case study of Wix.com, including an analysis of management focus, structure, and internal conflicts.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Organizational Culture, Adhocracy, Leadership Styles, Innovation, Corporate Growth, and Change Management.
How does the author define the conflict within Wix.com?
The author argues that Wix.com is attempting to maintain an "Adhocracy" (creative/flexible) culture while its size and global status demand a shift toward more formal, stable "Market" or "Hierarchy" structures.
What role does national culture play in the case study?
National culture influences communication styles and employee expectations; for example, the author notes that Japanese and Korean teams often face cultural shocks when integrating into the informal, highly transparent Israeli-based culture of Wix.
Why are recommendations provided in the final chapter?
The recommendations aim to guide the organization in navigating its transition from an early-stage start-up to a mature corporation by adjusting its leadership and formalizing processes without stifling innovation.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Roy Cohen (Autor:in), 2014, Team culture and innovation in start-ups and organizations, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/338946
