In chapter 5 there is discussion about the three views of organizational culture. One view that I have to agree with is interpretive view. Interpretive view is about culture that is believed to emerge in the symbolism or discourse of everyday organizational life. This view is about focusing attention to subtle views.
While I worked at kia, a korean based automobile company thus filled with a bunch of Koreans, there was a bunch of culture seen everywhere. Such things include the way the employees interacted, walked, dressed and greetings to each other. Every Korean male did their little bow thing to the other, they are all heavy walkers!! which I found funny because they are so small (haha), and the male employees had mannerisms to females that we as Americans find to be rude and inconsiderate, however, is how their interact in their own country (Kia sends some of their employees to Korea every year, some people I worked with went and learned their culture and noticed this behavior was common, so sorry if anyone is korean and feels offended, please share perspective if possible.) One example of their interactions was a bunch of males walking down a hall by the department I worked in, and I was talking to my supervisor. These males insisted on walking 2 by 2 and disregarding the fact I was in the isle and thus essentially shoved me into the cubicles. This was common throughout the company with some of the women.
Everywhere we look, there is going to be some symbolic behavior, clothing, walking, etc that is related to a culture. As result, organizations need to be aware of these cultures they have in their company and learn how best to use them. Cultural differences can bring on different perspectives and attitudes for people which can benefit or harm the company.
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I believe there is symbolism and discourse that emerges in everyday organizational life. There are a number of organizations to study that would demonstrate this interpretive view. For example, Cold Stone Ice Cream Company encourages their employees to welcome every customer through the door, and sing when tips are given. Everything the employees do at this company from singing to welcoming each customer at the door is symbolic of Cold Stone. Likewise, if you were to study the symbolism in the occupation of Corrections you would see a very strong organizational culture filled with symbolism, jargon, storytelling, mannerisms and different levels of power. Correctional officers carry themselves different from the jail janitor or even the Warden of the prison. The employees involved in the organization are very “tight” with one another because of the close and dangerous environment they work in together. Sometimes the symbolism, rituals and story telling that take place in the organization are not easily understood by the general public because of the exclusiveness of this particular organization.
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