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Culture Guide: Understanding and Influencing Organizational Culture with the Cultural Web
The Cultural Web, developed by Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes, is a powerful tool for leaders and managers seeking to understand, manage, and influence the culture within their department or organization. This model offers a comprehensive view of organizational culture by analyzing six interrelated elements:
1. Stories: The narratives shared within the organization, reflecting its values and reinforcing cultural norms.
*Application*: Leaders can craft and promote positive stories that align with desired cultural changes, fostering a shared vision.
2. Rituals and Routines: The daily behaviors and actions that are repeated and embedded within the organization.
*Application*: By adjusting routines, managers can steer the organization towards behaviors that support a desired culture.
3. Symbols: The visible elements, such as logos, office layouts, or dress codes, that represent the organization’s culture.
*Application*: Leaders can introduce or modify symbols to reinforce new cultural values.
4. Organizational Structures: The hierarchy and organizational charts that define formal roles and responsibilities.
*Application*: Restructuring teams or altering reporting lines can shift power dynamics and influence cultural change.
5. Control Systems: The processes and procedures that monitor and support the organization’s objectives.
*Application*: Adjusting control systems, like performance reviews or reward mechanisms, can align behaviors with cultural goals.
6. Power Structures: The individuals or groups within the organization who hold the most influence.
*Application*: Identifying and engaging key influencers can be crucial in driving cultural change.
Applying the Cultural Web as a Leader/Manager:
To effectively apply the Cultural Web, start by mapping out these six elements within your department or organization. Identify the current state of each element and how they interconnect to form the existing culture. Then, consider the following steps:
Diagnose the Current Culture: Use the Cultural Web to assess the current cultural landscape and identify areas that may need change.
Align the Elements: Ensure that stories, rituals, symbols, structures, controls, and power structures all support the desired culture.
Engage Stakeholders: Collaborate with key influencers and involve your team in the cultural transformation process.
Monitor and Adjust: Continuously assess the impact of changes and be prepared to make adjustments to sustain cultural growth.
By understanding and leveraging the Cultural Web, leaders can more effectively manage and influence the culture within their organization, leading to a more cohesive and productive work environment.
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