Organizational Culture

Many different organizations and companies have many distinct cultures and climates. However, before one can begin to describe the culture or climate of an organization we must first know what culture and climate is. So, what is Culture? Edgar Schein defines organizational culture as ?a pattern of basic assumptions-invented, discovered, or developed by a given group as it learns to cope with its problems of external adaptation and internal integration-that has worked well enough to be considered valid and therefore, to be taught to new members as the correct way to perceive, think, and feel in relation to those problems.? (Miller 99) To summarize a culture is simply everything that makes the organization exist. The people, the furniture, the building, the paper, the way people talk anything you can see or hear, shapes the culture of an organization. Furthermore, there are certain key elements that are present in most cultures.

Dyson Center

English: Picture of Marist College Student Center.

James A. Cannavino Library, Marist College

These elements are relevant constructs (people/ideas important to an org), practices/procedures, a vocabulary, metaphors (other names for the business), stories or legends, rites and rituals (i.e. graduation), values, heroes, and finally sub-cultures.

If I were to describe the culture of Marist College, I would begin by describing what I see and experience. Take one look at the Marist campus and you will see a unique learning environment. A tree lined campus dotted with new looking buildings over looking the Hudson River. In the middle of the campus, you see a modest round building with a large cross sprawling up the side, towering 10 feet over the top and embracing what seems to be the entire front of the building. Immediately one is under the impression that the campus embraces the catholic religion. Just beyond the church, you will see a brand new 4 floor modern library. The library is filled...