In chapter five we begin to learn more about cultures with in an organization. It is interesting to see how often unnoticed daily processes can define culture in an organization. Learning how metaphors associated with an organization can transform the organization caught my attention. My current football organization has many metaphors or simple phrases around the building that are directed towards motivation of everyone involved in the workplace. For example, in the weight room we have an artifact, which is a huge Spartan symbol. On that symbol is a phrase that simply states, "A Culture of Champions". Alongside the artifact are all the teams who have currently won championships in their perspective sport. Having this metaphor and artifact is supposed to help motivate all the sports that come and work out in that weight room. It can contribute to harder lifting in the weight room and making smarter choices on what is done to the body of each athlete. Another positive to having this artifact in the weight room is that it allows for outsiders to form an opinion of what it means to be a Spartan athlete.
At first I never really paid too much attention to artifacts that are posted around the facilities. But now I can see that these artifacts and metaphors are not there by accident and serve multiple purposes for the organization itself.
You might even say that you have Heroes and Heroines displayed in the weight room based on your description of the teams who have currently won championships are displayed next to the Spartan symbol. As the book states, they embody and personify cultural values, the value to win and be champions in this case. It sounds like you are proud to be a part of the Spartan culture. Hopefully, you will be one of those heroes displayed next to the Spartan symbol or are you already?
ReplyDeleteThese type of cultural references to encourage group work and communication are always interesting to me because they are so intrinsic to many organizations. Your artifact and code encourage your team to work harder, an office might have a code of conduct and a plaque for employee of the month which fosters the same kind of pride in work. I think its interesting to see what kind of references each organization builds into its communication structure, and see whether they are working or not.
ReplyDeleteIt’s funny because in sports, there are always so many culture elements that go unrecognized. I played football and other sports me; the most important part of being part of a team is a legacy that you follow. So your going to hear metaphors form your coach, rituals before games, artifacts that will encourage you to take it to the next level of excitement and that all leads to good performance. Overall I think you made a good connection with football and culture elements.
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