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QUESTION 
Manifestations of culture
 
What do you think would differentiate the culture of:

A regiment in the Army? 

An advertising agency? 
ANSWER 
Here are some hints. The Army is very disciplined. Decisions are made by officers; behaviour between 
ranks is sometimes very formal. The organisation values loyalty, courage and discipline and teamwork. 
Symbols and artefacts include uniforms, medals, regimental badges, and so on. Rituals include 
corporate expressions such as parades and ceremonies. 
An advertising agency, with a different mission, is more fluid. Individual flair and creativity, within the 
commercial needs of the firm, is expected. Artefacts may include the style of creative offices, awards or 
prizes, and the agency logo. Rituals may include various award ceremonies, team meetings and social 
gatherings. 
 
3.2 What shapes organisation culture? 
Influences on organisational culture
include: 
(a) The 
organisation's 
founder
. A strong set of values and assumptions is set up by the organisation's 
founder, and even after they have retired, these values have their own momentum. Or, to put it 
another way, an organisation might find it hard to shake off its original culture.
(b) The 
organisation's 
history
 
(i) 
Culture reflects the era when the organisation was founded.
(ii) 
The effect of history can be determined by stories, rituals and symbolic behaviour. They 
legitimise behaviour and promote priorities.
(c) 
Leadership and management style
. An organisation with a strong culture recruits and develops 
managers who naturally conform to it and who perpetuate the culture. 
(d) The 
organisation's
environment
. As we have seen, nations, regions, occupations and business 
types have their own distinctive cultures, and these will affect the organisation's style. 
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