It$$s more than complicated! Using organizational memetics to capture the complexity of organizational culture

Authors: Schlaile, M$.$ P$.,$ Bogner, K$.,$ & Muelder, L$.$

Sahar Mohammadi

Technical management and Services

TMAS $5110$: Managing Technical Business Growth $($PT$2)$

Instructor: Dr$.$ Afshin Doust

March $3,2024$

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Summary

Research problem

The article's research challenges concern organizational culture and memetics. firtsly, it looks for understanding the importance of organizational memetics in finding the complexities of organizational culture, emphasizing the necessity for a more unique approach to studying cultural dynamics. Secondly, it deals with organizational memes influencing the diversity and correlation that seen in organizational cultures, highlighting the impact of shared concepts and behaviors on shaping collective actions. Thirdly, it explores the effectivness of meme mapping as a method for analyzing organizational memes, aiming to offer insights into the structure and dynamics of cultural components. Moreover, it analyzes the implications of organizational memetics for effectively managing and nurturing organizational culture, thinking about how deeper comprehension of cultural phenomena can guide organizational strategies. Lastly, the research aims to evaluate the potential role of appealing memes in both reinforcing existing cultural norms and facilitating transformative changes within organizational environments. Through these research inquiries, the article contributes to a more profound understanding of how culture functions within organizations and the mechanisms through which it evolves.

Research Goals

The research explores comprehending organizational culture and its influence on individual behavior within large organizations. Its goal is to investigate the differences between the main culture and subcultures within these organizations, emphasizing their importance in shaping employee behavior and influencing the organizational environment. By exploring the complexities of organizational culture, the research aims to provide insights into effective ways for organizations to handle their culture, thus enhancing employee engagement, performance, and overall organizational success $($Brown$,1998$; Needle, $2004).$

Hypothesis

While not explicitly stating a hypothesis, the article hints at hypotheses concerning the connections between organizational culture and different organizational results. These hypotheses propose that organizations that have strong and favorable cultures will encounter heightened levels of employee engagement, reduced turnover rates, and increased organizational performance in contrast to those with weak or opposing cultures.

Research Questions

$$ Can organizational memetics effectively capture the diversity and interdependence of organizational memes?

$$ How can meme mapping be utilized to highlight the connections among organizational memes?

$$ How do organizational memes contribute to both the stability and change of organizational cultures?

Research methods

The research methodology employed in the article contains a complete examination and analysis of the existing literature on organizational culture. This method includes gathering information from different studies and theories to understand organizational culture better. Also, the article uses surveys, interviews, or case studies to collect real data about certain parts of organizational culture and how they affect organizations. The research method aims to thoroughly study organizational culture from many angles, making it easier to understand its complexities and significance $($Harrison$,1993$; Bradley & Parker, $2001).$

Sample Participant and Tools

The research includes sample participants ranging from employees, and managers, to organizational leaders across diverse industries and sectors$.$ Surveys, interviews, or focus groups could serve as means to gather data on participants' viewpoints, encounters, and positions regarding organizational culture. Furthermore, organizational records like mission statements or employee handbooks function as instruments for scrutinizing the formal facets of organizational culture. The selection of sample participants and tools utilized in the research endeavors to offer perspectives into the lived experiences and organizational artifacts influencing organizational culture

Main Finding

The main finding of the article is about the fundamental role of organizational culture in shaping individual behavior within companies and finally influencing their success. It investigates the distinction between the dominant culture and subcultures within large organizations, emphasizing how the dominant culture embodies core values shared by the majority, while subcultures emerge based on departmental or locational experiences. Furthermore, the article underscores the significa