seminar paper ANISH BARAL
seminar paper ANISH BARAL
seminar paper ANISH BARAL
A Seminar Paper
By
Anish Baral
Bachelors in Business Administration
Third Semester
Symbol no. 35090/22
MGT 232: Seminar on Leadership and Organizational Behavior
Submitted to
Faculty of Management/ Department
Patan Multiple Campus
Tribhuvan University
June, 2024
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this seminar report titled "Organizational Culture and Climate" is
my original work and has been prepared with the highest academic integrity. I have
ensured that all sources and references used in this report are appropriately cited and
acknowledged. The findings and insights presented are based on an extensive literature
review and empirical evidence from reputable sources.
I affirm that I have not engaged in any form of plagiarism, and any contributions or work
by others have been clearly indicated and referenced. This report is submitted in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the seminar course and has not been previously
submitted for any other course or purpose.
I understand the importance of maintaining ethical standards in academic work and have
adhered to the guidelines and policies provided by my educational institution.
This seminar paper entitled " Organizational Culture and Climate " submitted by
Anish Baral of BBA third semester is prepared under the supervision as the procedure
and format requirement laid by the Faculty of Management, Office of Dean,
Tribhuwan University, as a required fulfillment for the degree of BBA third semester,
Leadership and Organizational Behavior. I therefore recommend the seminar paper for
final evaluation.
Signature: _____________
Pramod Raj Upadhyay, PhD
Date: 24th June 2024
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the people who helped us to prepare
this seminar report. We would not. Be able to prepare the seminar report without those
people from whom we got ideas, support and Guidance. Our first debt of gratitude goes
to our instructor, Pramod Raj Upadhyay, PhD. Who helped us a lot by providing
suggestion for the subject and the body of this seminar paper.
We would like to acknowledge all the respondents who shared their experience and
provided necessary data for our research. My special thanks to my colleagues and
classmates who offered their feedback and suggestions during the various stages of this
research. Their constructive criticism and encouragement were vital in refining the final
report.
Lastly, I would like to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support and
understanding during the time I dedicated to this project. Their patience and
encouragement were a source of motivation and strength.
Anish Baral
TABLE OF CONTENT
S
DECLARATION........................................................................................................
SUPERVISORS RECOMMENDATION...................................................................
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS........................................................................................
ABSTRACT...............................................................................................................
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION...........................................................................
1.1 Background...................................................................................................
3.1 Findings.......................................................................................................14
3.2 Summary.....................................................................................................15
3.3 Conclusion..................................................................................................16
REFRENCES.........................................................................................................17
vi
ABSTRACT
The primary objective of this seminar paper is to provide details explanation on the
Organizational Culture and Climate. The intricate relationship between culture and
climate, highlighting their distinct yet interrelated nature. A strong organizational
culture fosters a positive climate, which can lead to enhanced employee engagement,
higher job satisfaction, and improved performance. this study examines the impact of
culture and climate on various organizational outcomes, including employee
retention, innovation, and adaptability. It also addresses the role of leadership in
shaping and sustaining a desirable organizational culture and climate, emphasizing
the importance of alignment between organizational values and employee perceptions.
Conversely, a negative climate can undermine even the strongest cultural foundations,
leading to decreased morale and productivity. The findings underscore the need for
organizations to consciously cultivate a positive culture and climate, employing
strategic interventions and continuous feedback mechanisms. By doing so,
organizations can not only enhance their internal cohesion and external
competitiveness but also ensure a sustainable and adaptive work environment.
1 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Comprehending the subtleties of organisational culture and environment is crucial in
order to fully appreciate their immense influence on the behaviour and performance of
organisations. Despite their differences, the ideas are intricately entwined to provide a
framework that guides employee behaviour. In order to lay the groundwork for a more
thorough examination of these notions' workplace implications, this background section
examines the genesis, theoretical underpinnings, and evolution of these ideas. The
common conventions, values, and beliefs that make up an organization's social and
psychological fabric are referred to as its organisational culture. It includes the unspoken
and spoken guidelines that govern how staff members relate to one another and approach
their task. Culture changes throughout time and is frequently influenced by an
organization's history, underlying beliefs, and leadership. A cohesive and driven staff is
the result of a strong organisational culture, which unites workers with the mission and
objectives of the company.
Contrarily, organisational climate describes how staff members feel about the
organization's rules, practices, and processes as a whole. In contrast to culture, which is
ingrained and permanent, climate is more ephemeral and subject to swift changes in
response to organisational circumstances and management techniques.
In the 1960s and 1970s, researchers like Litwin and Stringer further developed the
concept, defining organizational climate as a set of measurable properties of the work
environment perceived directly or indirectly by the employees who live and work in this
environment. This period also saw the development of various tools and instruments to
measure organizational climate, paving the way for empirical studies and practical
applications. Over the decades, the study of organizational culture has evolved to
encompass a wide range of perspectives and methodologies. Researchers have explored
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different types of cultures, such as strong versus weak cultures, subcultures within
organizations, and the impact of national cultures on organizational practices. The role of
leadership in shaping and maintaining culture has also been extensively studied, with a
focus on how leaders communicate values, model behaviors, and influence cultural
change.Recent developments in organizational culture research have emphasized the
dynamic nature of culture and its adaptability in response to external and internal
changes. The concept of cultural intelligence has emerged, highlighting the ability of
individuals and organizations to navigate and leverage cultural diversity effectively.
Patrick Lencioni: "Not finance, not strategy, not technology. It is teamwork that
remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare."
Points to the critical role of teamwork in fostering a positive organizational climate.
Stephen R. Covey: "Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in
effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships."
Trust is a key component of both organizational culture and climate.
In the context of organizational culture and climate, several key problems can arise that
hinder the effectiveness, productivity, and overall well-being of an organization.
Identifying these problems is crucial for developing strategies to address them and
improve organizational performance. This section outlines the primary issues associated
with organizational culture and climate.
How does the misalignment between organizational culture and strategic goals impact
employee motivation and engagement?
How does a work environment affect employee productivity and innovation?
Organizational culture is not aligned with the strategic goals and objectives of the
organization. This misalignment can lead to confusion, resistance to change, and
ineffective implementation of strategic initiatives.
Work Environment
A negative or toxic organizational climate characterized by high levels of stress, poor
communication, and lack of support. This environment can lead to employee burnout,
high turnover rates, and decreased job satisfaction.
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Denison’s (1990) model emphasizes the importance of four cultural traits: involvement,
consistency, adaptability, and mission. These traits create an environment conducive to
achieving strategic objectives and enhancing overall performance. According to Denison,
organizations with strong cultural traits align their values with their operational practices,
leading to higher effectiveness.
The Competing Values Framework (CVF) by Cameron and Quinn (1999) categorizes
organizational cultures into four types: clan (collaborative), adhocracy (innovative),
market (competitive), and hierarchy (control-oriented). Each type influences employee
behavior and organizational effectiveness differently, with clan cultures promoting
collaboration and market cultures driving competitiveness and goal achievement.
In the realm of organizational climate, Lewin’s (1951) Field Theory suggests that
behavior is a function of the individual and their environment. This theory implies that a
supportive organizational climate can enhance employee motivation and performance.
Schneider and Reichers (1983) further assert that climate perceptions are shaped by
organizational policies, practices, and procedures, highlighting the need for alignment
between these elements and cultural values to foster a positive organizational climate.
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It provides a foundation for understanding the key concepts and frameworks related to
organizational culture and climate. This section will explore seminal theories and models
that explain how culture and climate influence organizational behavior and performance.
organizations can create environments that align cultural values with strategic goals and
foster a positive climate that supports employee well-being and organizational
effectiveness.
Organizational Culture
Definition: Organizational culture encompasses the shared values, beliefs, norms, and
practices that characterize an organization and influence its members' behavior.
Key Dimensions:
Artifacts: Tangible, overt manifestations of culture such as dress codes, office layout,
and rituals.
Espoused Values: The stated values and rules of behavior, which may include company
mission, vision, and codes of conduct.
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Basic Underlying Assumptions: Deep-seated beliefs that are often unconscious but
fundamentally shape perceptions, thoughts, and feelings.
Organizational Climate
Key Dimensions:
Employee Behavior
Key Metrics:
Organizational Performance
Key Metrics:
Alignment: Organizational culture sets the foundational values and norms that shape the
organizational climate. A strong alignment between culture and climate ensures a
cohesive and supportive work environment.
Negative Climate: A toxic climate, characterized by lack of support, unfair rewards, and
high stress, can lead to disengagement, dissatisfaction, poor performance, and high
turnover.
Synergistic Effect: When organizational culture and climate are aligned and positive,
they create a synergistic effect that maximizes employee behavior outcomes and
organizational performance.
Arrows:
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Performance Optimization: Aligning culture and climate with desired behaviors can
lead to better performance outcomes, including higher productivity, innovation, and
employee retention.
3.1 Findings
The research findings highlight the significant impact of organizational culture and
climate on employee behavior and organizational performance. Strong organizational
cultures, characterized by clear expectations, rituals, and shared values, significantly
enhance employee engagement, loyalty, and teamwork. Deal and Kennedy (1982)
demonstrated that well-established cultural practices create cohesive environments
that boost morale and performance. Denison’s (1990) research further emphasizes that
cultural traits such as involvement, consistency, adaptability, and mission alignment
correlate with higher organizational effectiveness, ensuring that employee behaviors
align with organizational goals. Additionally, Kotter and Heskett’s (1992) longitudinal
study revealed that adaptive cultures, which prioritize strategic goals and employee
development, outperform rigid cultures by fostering proactive and innovative
employee behaviors. This adaptability is crucial for long-term organizational success,
indicating that flexible and responsive cultural practices are essential for thriving in
dynamic business environments.
The importance of organizational climate is also underscored by the research. Studies
by Litwin and Stringer (1968) and James and Jones (1974) show that supportive
climates, characterized by autonomy, recognition, and clear roles, significantly boost
employee motivation, satisfaction, and productivity. Employees' positive perceptions
of these supportive elements shape their behaviors, leading to enhanced job
performance and overall organizational effectiveness. A positive climate is thus seen
as a crucial element in translating cultural values into everyday employee behaviors.
The interplay between culture and climate is particularly noteworthy. Schneider,
Ehrhart, and Macey (2013) discuss how a positive organizational climate can enhance
the effects of a strong culture on employee behavior, suggesting that these elements
are interdependent. Ostroff, Kinicki, and Tamkins (2003) support this by showing that
aligned culture and climate create a synergistic effect, maximizing employee attitudes
and performance. This finding suggests that organizations should adopt a holistic
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approach, addressing both cultural and climatic factors to optimize employee behavior
and performance.
Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining both culture and climate.
Ehrhart, Schneider, and Macey (2014) emphasize that leaders influence organizational
culture through their actions and decisions while setting the tone for the organizational
climate. Effective leadership development is crucial for cultivating environments that
support organizational goals and foster positive employee behaviors. Leaders must be
equipped to reinforce cultural values and create a supportive climate that motivates
employees.
Finally, Hartnell, Ou, and Kinicki’s (2011) meta-analysis reveals that different cultural
dimensions impact organizational effectiveness in various ways. Clan cultures enhance
employee satisfaction and engagement, while market cultures drive performance and
productivity. This insight suggests that organizations need to tailor their cultural
strategies to achieve specific desired outcomes. Understanding the specific impacts of
different cultural dimensions allows organizations to strategically cultivate a culture
that aligns with their performance goals.
3.2 Summary
This report synthesizes research on organizational culture and climate, highlighting
their profound impacts on employee behavior and organizational performance. Strong
organizational cultures, characterized by clear expectations and shared values, enhance
employee engagement, loyalty, and teamwork. Adaptive cultures, emphasizing
strategic goals and employee development, foster proactive and innovative behaviors
essential for sustained organizational success. Supportive organizational climates,
promoting autonomy, recognition, and clear roles, significantly enhance employee
motivation and productivity.
The interdependence of culture and climate is crucial, as a positive climate amplifies
the effects of a strong culture on employee behavior. Effective leadership plays a
pivotal role in shaping and maintaining both culture and climate, influencing
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3.3 Conclusion
In conclusion, the research reviewed highlights the critical role of organizational
culture and climate in shaping employee behavior and organizational outcomes.
Strong organizational cultures, defined by clear values and rituals, foster cohesive
work environments that enhance employee engagement, loyalty, and teamwork.
Adaptive cultures, which prioritize flexibility and alignment with strategic goals,
empower employees to innovate and drive organizational success.
Organizational climate, characterized by factors like autonomy and recognition,
significantly influences employee motivation and productivity. A positive climate
amplifies the effects of culture, emphasizing the interdependence between these two
factors in shaping employee behaviors and organizational performance.
Leadership emerges as a central factor in cultivating and sustaining culture and
climate. Effective leaders set the tone, reinforce cultural values, and create supportive
climates that motivate employees towards organizational goals. Leadership
development is crucial for organizations aiming to maintain a positive culture and
climate.
Moving forward, organizations should tailor their cultural strategies to align with
specific organizational goals and employee needs. Future research should explore how
culture and climate impact diverse employee behaviors across different cultural
contexts and industries. By understanding these dynamics more deeply, organizations
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can implement strategies that optimize both employee engagement and organizational
effectiveness in dynamic and competitive environments.
4 REFRENCES
Deal, T. E., & Kennedy, A. A. (1982). Corporate cultures: The rites and rituals of
corporate life. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
Denison, D. R. (1990). Corporate culture and organizational effectiveness. John Wiley &
Sons.
Ehrhart, M. G., Schneider, B., & Macey, W. H. (2014). Organizational climate and
culture: An introduction to theory, research, and practice. Routledge.
Hartnell, C. A., Ou, A. Y., & Kinicki, A. J. (2011). Organizational culture and
organizational effectiveness: A meta-analytic investigation of the competing values
framework's theoretical suppositions. Journal of Applied Psychology, 96(4), 677-694.
James, L. R., & Jones, A. P. (1974). Organizational climate: A review of theory and
research. Psychological Bulletin, 81(12), 1096-1112.
Kotter, J. P., & Heskett, J. L. (1992). Corporate culture and performance. Free Press.
Litwin, G. H., & Stringer, R. A. (1968). Motivation and organizational climate. Harvard
University Press.
Ostroff, C., Kinicki, A. J., & Tamkins, M. M. (2003). Organizational culture and climate.
In W. C. Borman, D. R. Ilgen, & R. J. Klimoski (Eds.), Handbook of psychology:
Industrial and organizational psychology (Vol. 12, pp. 565-593). John Wiley & Sons.
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Schneider, B., Ehrhart, M. G., & Macey, W. H. (2013). Organizational climate and
culture. Annual Review of Psychology, 64, 361-388.