To complete this assignment, you will speak with at least 3 different people within an organization to try to identify shared assumptions and values. You can choose an organization of which you are currently a member or were once a member.

Before you start this assignment, be sure to complete the readings.

One effective method for diagnosing an organization's culture is to identify the stories that its members tell each other and people outside. Stories transmit values and instruct on what is important. For instance, Nordstrom uses stories to socialize employees (Links to an external site.)and teach the importance of customer service. Other organizations may be less deliberate and strategic in their use of stories, but these stories are still important influences on the informal organization.

Ask your respondents to share a story that best captures what it means to be a member of your organization. Tell them they may consider stories that people told them when they were joining (or deciding to join the organization) as well as stories that they might tell others who are deciding whether to join. For instance, at Disney, some new recruits were told about the time when Mickey fell into the lake. He broke the number one rule (Never break character) when he removed his costume. As a result he was fired. Whether this story is true or not does not matter. The story persists in teaching what is important in the organization.

Next, compare the responses and identify patterns. Here you will diagnose the organization's culture. What do these stories tell you about your organizations culture. Consider the following questions:

• How similar are the stories you collected (including your own story)?
• Is the culture strong or weak? Are there subcultures?
• What rituals and traditions does your organization have? Are they reflected in these stories? Do these traditions still represent the values and beliefs of the members today?
• Who are heroes at your organization?
• What behaviors are valued in your organization? What behaviors get rewarded? Are they the same behaviors?
• On what basis do people acquire status?
• Who makes decisions? Who is excluded?
• What role does leadership play in maintaining and promoting the culture?
• Does your organizations culture put individuals at risk of unethical behavior?
• Does your organizations culture promote individual growth and team flourishing?
• Does your organization's culture help it achieve its strategic objectives?

Finally, comment on the implications of your organization's culture (strong, weak, or fragmented) for its effectiveness. Is there fit between the culture (shared values) and the other "S" (structure, systems, staffing, skills, style)? What recommendations do you have for improving effectiveness in the future?

In your assignment, please describe your data collection (who you spoke with- their roles in the organization) and the stories themselves. Then describe the culture using the stories and additional evidence from your own observations to support your arguments. Finally, critically diagnose the culture (using the questions above) and assess the implications for this organization's culture for their future performance.