Discuss the pros and cons of a strong culture, and describe an example of a strong culture you are, or have been, a part of or that someone you know has been a member of.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Student answers will vary but should demonstrate understanding of strong cultures. A sample answer follows.

A high level of culture strength exists when employees definitively agree about the way things are supposed to happen within the organization (high consensus) and when their subsequent behaviors are consistent with those expectations (high intensity). A strong culture serves to unite and direct employees. Strong cultures take a long time to develop and are very difficult to change. Individuals working within strong cultures are typically very aware of it. However, "strong" cultures are not always "good" cultures. Strong cultures guide employee attitudes and behaviors, but that does not always mean that they guide them toward the most successful organizational outcomes.

I used to work for a chain of coffee shops that had a strong culture. Employees were expected to dress in a certain way, make drinks according to standardized formulas, and clean the shops according to a specific schedule. The company paid employees relatively well and offered benefits and the opportunity to move up in the company. As a result, most employees were proud to work there, even if they did not plan to work there for the rest of their lives. When employees were off work, it was not uncommon for them to visit their home store to say hi and get a drink, and most employees praised the company to anyone who would listen.