Chapter 16 – Organizational Culture Theory
Chapter 16
Organizational Culture Theory
Multiple Choice Questions
1. All of the following statements about symbols are true EXCEPT
2. Jokes, jargon, and stories are examples of _____ symbols.
3. Pacanowsky and O’Donnell-Trujillo proposed that organizational members serve as _____
who are part of the communicative performances that create a unique organizational culture.
4. All of the following are methods of investigation used by ethnographers to examine
organizational culture EXCEPT
5. Rebekah is responsible for balancing the cash register at the end of every workday. This is an
example of a(n) _____.
Chapter 16 – Organizational Culture Theory
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Essay Questions
34. Describe the various types of symbols that can be used to communicate an organization’s
values. Provide an example of each. Why are symbols important to examine when taking a
cultural approach to organizations?
Answers will vary.
35. Differentiate between the various types of performances proposed by Pacanowsky and
O’Donnell-Trujillo.
Answers will vary.
36. Describe the various methods that may be used to investigate an organization from a
cultural approach. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each method?
Answers will vary.
37. Geertz applied the analogy of a spider web to explain organizational culture. Develop an
original analogy that can be used to explain organizational culture. Be sure to discuss the
reasoning behind your choice.
Answers will vary.
38. Geertz believes that in order to understand a culture, one must see it from the members’
points of view. Discuss the application of this thinking to one of your classrooms this term.
How are you able to see the classroom culture from the views of others?
Answers will vary.
39. How would you use the concepts from Organizational Culture Theory to study a particular
organizational culture? Formulate a research question and describe how you would go about
learning more about an organization that interests you. What would be the utility of such
research?
Answers will vary.
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40. Describe the culture of your school using Organizational Culture Theory. Identify the
various types of symbols and performances used to perpetuate the culture among the members
of this organization.
Answers will vary.
41. In addition to the five cultural performances identified by Pacanowsky and
O’Donnell-Trujillo, name additional cultural performances in organizations in which you have
worked. Be sure to describe the characteristics of the performance and any corresponding
example.
Answers will vary.