Culture in general can be analyzed at several different levels, with the term "level" meaning the degree to which the cultural phenomenon is visible to you as participant or observer. These levels range from the very tangible, overt manifestations that you can see and feel to the deeply embedded, unconscious, basic assumptions that we are defining as the essence of culture or its DNA. In between these layers are various espoused beliefs, values, norms, and rules of behavior that members of the culture use as a way of depicting the culture to themselves and others. Case study analysis prepares students to identify, analyze, and apply these and other course concepts in real-world scenarios.

From - A Mature Swiss-German Chemical Organization

Case 2 - Ciba-Geigy Company in Basel, Switzerland

Assignment Criteria

Overview

Provide a comprehensive introduction to the case containing all important/relevant context, people, and facts of the case. Conclude with a preview of the remaining sections of the paper.

Case Analysis

For the case study in question, analyze the three levels of culture.

1. Artifacts
   1. Visible and feelable structures and processes
   2. Observed behavior
      1. Difficult to decipher
2. Espoused Beliefs and Values
   1. Ideals, goals, values, aspirations
   2. Ideologies
   3. Rationalizations
      1. May or may not be congruent with behavior and other artifacts
3. Basic Underlying Assumptions
   1. Unconscious, taken-for-granted beliefs, and values
      1. Determine behavior, perception, thought, and feeling

Conclusions

Summarize the four basic characteristics of the culture

1. "Structural stability" - Culture is the foundation of group identity. It holds the group together and defines the group even as members come and go. This is why culture change is so difficult.
2. "Depth" - Culture is so deep that group members may be unconscious of it. It is simply the way you do things and needs no explanation.
3. "Breadth" - Culture affects everything about an organization, touching every function and activity.
4. "Patterning or integration" - Culture is what makes the group's behaviors, values and rituals coherent.

Faith Integration

Reflect and reply upon a faith message from the course to date. Is there a Case Study application? If so, discuss that application, and if not, discuss how you might apply the important component/s of the message to another real-life scenario.