Discussion–The nature of Organization Environments

Select two organizations that you are interested in or are familiar with. What types of cultures do they have? Start each initial post in a separate thread. Each initial discussion question post should be a minimum of 150 words and must include citations to the course materials or outside research. There should also be a reference list at the end of your initial post.

 

Example:

 

American Red Cross

As a former employee of the American Red Cross Call Center, I experienced this organizations culture in a very different light. In the public eye, the assumption of the culture of the organization is one that is extremely nurturing and uplifting in all facets. After my experience as an employee, I have found that their charitable efforts are what embody those traits. As an employee, these are some commitment to the dire need of certain products or services that the call center contributes to. Although employees are to keep that in mind, it seems that there is the greatest amount of pressure on the actual employees who do most of the leg work that make the Red Cross what it is. Thankfully not employed there any longer, I appreciate the charitable nature of the Red Cross and I also have a new found respect for the people work there. The organizational culture in the public eye is what the Red Cross promotes and works hard to make that the focal point of employees so that customer service is the first and most important priority. This company allows for the least amount of flexibility and the most amount of control. There is a great deal of external positioning where they good that they do is always seen but the inside treatment of employees goes unseen. This organization seems to have a more of hierarchy structure where the rules and policies are most often the focal point.

 

JCPenney

As a former employee with this company, I have seen the culture of the organization make a shift. When I first became affiliated with the organization, it was more a business casual image that the brand wanted so desperately to communicate. The dedication to the customer and the quality of service that they receive was always the main focus. It was more so the image of the brand that has allowed the greatest amount of change. The shift from the absence of a business casual image, to a more relaxed and casual image was a means of communication. The values and integrity of the brand have remained the same; however it is the physical image that has changed. In this respect, the brand has illustrated a shift in the understanding of the value of quality service and product being provided.  In this sense, the company is interested in illustrating the essence of a group whereas the environment in flexible and allows for the strong sense of family amongst employees, as well as customers. This shift in the physical image of the brand caused a climate change that allows the customers and the employees to all be relaxed enough to get down to clear communication and have a very open relationship whereas all individuals involved benefit.

  

Brasfield, James. Management 5000. McGraw-Hill, 2012. Print.