Analyzing and realigning organizational culture

Abstract

Presents a process developed by the authors that can be used to help organizational leaders and change agents make alignments between their “espoused” and “existing” organizational cultures. First we present an overview of the theoretical model from which the process is derived, and how we attempt to translate the theory into personal mental models for those involved in the change process. Next, we describe an action‐oriented process we call “walkies and talkies” used for analyzing what Schein refers to as artifacts and espoused values. Finally, we present a range of change initiatives that may be used if the culture analysis reveals any misalignments – “tune‐ups” are actions that can be taken during the analysis or immediately thereafter. “Re‐builds” are intermediate actions that take one to six months to complete. “Replacements” are longer‐term interventions requiring significant investments of time and resources, and represent change at its deepest level.

Citation

Buch, K. and Wetzel, D.K. (2001), "Analyzing and realigning organizational culture", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 22 No. 1, pp. 40-44. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730110380219