Traditional Wisdom LO9313

Keith Cowan (72212.51@CompuServe.COM)
21 Aug 96 19:30:51 EDT

Replying to LO9083 --

Roxanne S. Abbas" <75263.3305@CompuServe.COM> raise the distinction
between system and culture:
>...
>I have always thought of the term "system" as being inclusive of the roles
>and responsibilites of staff and managers. ... But I have seen many fine people struggling in an
>unhealthy culture. Is "culture" different from "system"? I believe that
>we are all (regardless of how we measure on the responsibility index)
>influenced by the environment we live and work in. Over time most of us
>will begin to look and act like the people we keep company with. ...

The distinction I would make is that an organization is composed of
many systems which interact. The reward system is distinct for the
hiring system, although a good and public rewards system will attract
people into the hiring system, for example.

The hiring system can be modified in a month. The changes to any of
these systems will eventually show up in the culture. But I DO NOT
believe you can change the culture. You can only influence it by
changing the systems. If any system gets too far outside the culture,
it will be ineffective IMHO.

As an example, the banks tried to change from a service orientation
a sales orientation. The sales compensation system was implemented
quickly and the products were packaged and offered on a fee for
service basis right away. It took years for a sales culture to
develop in the banks and some would argue that the only thing
accomplished so far is the erosion of their service culture.

Culture changes take decades. Make sure you fit the culture because
neither you nor the culture is going to change fast enough to avoid
pain. Also beware the consultant who does not consider current
culture in their recommendations....Keith

-- 

Keith Cowan <72212.51@CompuServe.COM>

Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>