Using the classifications of organisational culture proposed by Handy, and by Deal and Kennedy, you are required to:

1. Compare and contrast influences on the development of culture in any two different types of organisations. 

Your two organisations could be, for example:  private and public sector; for-profit and not-for-profit; service sector and manufacturing sector; production and academic; private enterprise and one other different type.

2. Suggest, with supporting reasons, which of either the Handy or the Deal and Kennedy typologies you would try to foster if you were appointed as a senior manager in any three of the following organisations:

– Wheel-clamping contractor;

– Research laboratory;

– Naval submarine;

– Private hospital;

– Second-hand car business;

– High-fashion clothing store;

– Fast-food chain;

– Advertising agency.

Discussion

■ How important is organisational culture? How would you attempt to foster a change in the prevailing culture of an organisation?

■ To what extent do textbook classifications aid our practical understanding and analysis of organisational culture?

■ Should there be/is there a most ‘suitable’ culture for specific organisations?