Multiple Levels of Culture Research Assignment Paper

Culture is a multileveled phenomenon. Within an organization, especially one operating globally, various levels of culture are apparent: the culture associated with the host countries and other socio-cultural groups within them, the organizational culture, and the cultures within various organizational units. In addition, individuals may also bring their personal viewpoints about what organizational culture should be. All of this means that while there will be some similarities in "the way things are done around here," there will also be differences with regard to certain expectations and behaviors.
OPD professionals must be sure to take all of these cultural levels into account when working with an organization—recognizing that no organizational culture exists independently of the social culture within which it is embedded, and that individuals have different expectations about organizational culture depending on their social culture, previous experiences, and work group.
To prepare for this assignment:
• Review the readings for this week, with special attention to the article "Individual Perceptions of Organizational Cultures: A Methodological Treatise on Levels of Analysis." Focus on the multilevel aspect of culture.
• Review the course media, "Organizational Culture." Think about the advantages of blending organizational cultures in a virtual or international environment by selecting the most positive aspects of each culture.
• Think about how organizational cultures are nested within social cultures. Consider the implications for employees.
• Consider the challenges of an organization trying to create consistency across all units in various local cultural contexts while also being sensitive to the individuals who work within these contexts.
• Read Case 8 in Managing Internationally (pp. 289-293). Consider the multiple levels of culture in this situation and the implications for the individuals involved. Also think about the following questions:
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o What differences do you notice between the organizational cultures of Oberfeldt AG and MedTech? To what extent do they reflect differences in social cultures?
o What are the implications of these differences for various individuals within the organization?
o What would the implications of these differences mean for an OPD professional called in to help with the situation presented in the case study?
o What are the costs/benefits of Oberfeldt AG standardizing its organizational culture worldwide?
The assignment (1–2 pages):
Describe the multiple cultural layers in the case study and explain the implications for the individuals within the organization, as well as for an OPD professional working with these individuals. Analyze the reasons for and against—as well as the benefits and costs of—standardizing organizational culture across socio-cultural boundaries, particularly with regard to this case study.
Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this course.