Handy proposed a model of organizational culture according to which organizational culture is categorized into four different dimensions; Role culture, Power culture, People culture and Task culture. In Role culture more emphasis is given to the organizational hierarchies. Power culture revolves around a single entity. Individuals possess the supreme worth in Person culture. Task culture is more task-based and only focuses on the completion of tasks. For more detail check the following model of Handy's Culture:

Role Culture: Such organizations are based on the assumptions that people are rational; and that roles can be defined and discharged with clearly defined procedures. They display stability, certainty and have great strength in situations marked by continuity; they often display weakness in adapting to, or generating, change.

Task Culture: This is found in organizations where management is concerned with solving a series of problems. The structure is represented by a net, resources being drawn from all parts of the organization to meet the needs of current problems. Working parties, sub-committees, task forces and study groups are formed on an ad-hoc basis to deal with problems. This type of culture is seen to advantage when flexibility is required.

Power Culture: Revolves around the strong leader who enjoys and uses power, and is graphically represented by a spider's web. All lines of communication lead, formally or informally, to the leader. Such organizations display strength in speed of design making, their potential weakness lying in the caliber of the ''one man bands'' running them.

Person Culture: Organizations characterized by these cultures are those where the organization exists to serve the individual and where individuals are not servants of the organization. They consist of groups of professionals, for example doctors or lawyers, with no "boss". Co-ordination may be provided by a committee of peers. Such structures are becoming more common as more conventional organizations increasingly contract out work to professionals and specialists whose services are used only as and when required.

Recall the McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y and identify which theory (theory X or theory Y) facilitates each of the culture types (role, power, people and task culture) proposed by Handy. Brief explanation must be provided to support your answer.

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Culture type 1. Role culture 2. Power culture 3. People culture 4. Task culture McGregor's theory (theory X/theory Y) Explanation Culture type 1. Role culture 2. Power culture 3. People culture 4. Task culture McGregor's theory (theory X/theory Y) Explanation

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1 Role culture mcgregors theory of x mcgregors theory of x explains that the people are no motivated ... View the full answer