Using the competing values framework, how would you categorize the culture in your organization or an organization for which you have previously worked and was it effective?  Why or why not?

Culture is broad and complex in that it encompasses the shared values of the group, artifacts, assumptions, behaviors and attitudes. According to Bart (2011), the primary roots of an organization’s culture is based on assumptions about the human relationships and the nature of the world. Currently, I am working with Ford Motor Company, and I would say that the organization’s culture is hierarchical. The company’s work environment is formalized and structured. The company values control, standardization and defined structure of authority and decision-making process. The guidelines in the company decide what employees should do. Also, the types of leaders we have in the organization are those who can organize, monitor, coordinate and organize employees and processes within the organization. The hierarchical culture for this organization was effective since authority came from top level management and they are implemented by the middle and lower ranks employees. Similarly, the company’s organizational structure interacted well with its culture thus giving the company a competitive advantage and success in the market.

What do you think is your primary ethical perspective when making decisions?

In ethical decision making an individual is required to evaluate and chose among the alternatives a behavior that is ethically accepted. My primary ethical perspective when making decisions is based on virtues of life, and they include morality, respectability, honesty, and integrity.  I usually consider virtue approach when making my decisions because I believe that when I combine such values, I will be a well-rounded person that is acceptable in the organization and the society as a whole.

How do you think organizational culture impacts ethics and how do the ethics exhibited by an organization impact the organizational culture?

Organizational culture entails assumptions, values, and beliefs that governs the behaviors of people in an organization (Bart, 2011). Therefore, organizations with an ethical culture will provide employees with a culture that will enhance their ethical behavior. Similarly, a positive culture will allow employees to grow and learn. An organization that exhibits strong culture has a greater chance to impact its members since it has values and standards that its members can easily understand. On the other hand, a weak culture will negatively affect the organization because of its vague and inconsistent guidelines.

The ethics exhibited by an organization will impact the organizational culture in the following ways. First, the leadership ethics used by managers to employees may affect their morale and loyalty. When leaders show high ethical standards, employees are also encouraged to meet the same level. Also, ethical leadership promotes the reputation of the company in the financial market. Second, employees with ethical behaviors will always complete tasks assigned with honesty and integrity. Moreover, ethical employees meet the standards the company requires hence promoting its reputation for quality products and services.

Reference

Bart, C. (2011). Ethics: The key to organizational culture. Canadian Manager, 36(3), 4.