OGL 481 Pro-Seminar I:

PCA-Symbolic Frame Worksheet

Worksheet Objectives:

1. Describe the symbolic frame

2. Apply the symbolic frame to your personal case situation

Complete the following making sure to support your ideas and cite from the textbook and other
course materials per APA guidelines. After the peer review, you have a chance to update this and
format for your Electronic Portfolio due in Module 6.

1) Briefly restate your situation from Module 1 and your role.

My role is Human Resources Business Partner at Nike working in employee engagements

and management development team. My assignment was to train a group of product
managers coming from different cultures and bring them up to speed with the corporate
culture. The issue was that these managers are used to operating with different power
distance and their business practices were inconsistent with the corporate guidelines. The
idea behind this training is to bring them up to speed with what the company represents in
all markets.

2) Describe how the symbols of the organization influenced the situation.

The symbols of the organization had a direct influence on the situation because the
company’s culture and symbols revolve around bringing inspiration and innovation to
every athlete in the world. Everyone in the team whether at the global corporate office or
at the regional offices is dedicated to getting it done as encouraged by their Swoosh logo
and “Just do it” philosophy. In Chapter 12 we were reminded that “An organization’s
culture is revealed and communicated through its symbols.” (Bolman & Deal, 2021, p.
255)

 There is a powerful message that Nike’s logo carries on a psychological, cultural, and
semiotic level. The logo has universally become the synonym of sports culture and that is
carried out by everyone in the organization. It represents the essence of the brand and it
represents its values, achievements, and aspirations. It conveys the idea of striving for
excellence, pushing one’s limits, and achieving greatness. This is what we aspire to
achieve with this training program, to bring out the best of everyone, to push them to
excellence, and to empower them to spread Nike’s culture.

3) Recommend how you would use organizational symbols for an alternative course of
action regarding your case.

To create an alternative course of action for my case I would carefully utilize some new
symbols that would bring the cross-cultural training to a new level where everyone feels
included and the corporate wish still be implemented. I would incorporate the symbol of
layers of cultural connection. The training presentations, documents, and communication
materials would emphasize the importance of new alternative paths and encourage the
inclusion of new ideas.

This new symbol of layers of cultural connection signifies cultural collaboration and
teamwork. The interconnectedness of the regional offices with the corporate office’s
guidelines is where we need to focus. Collective effort and cooperation in implementing
their ideas in this new alternative course of action will be required. I understand that to be
successful in this alternative course of action, it would require active participation and
coordination with all stakeholders that are part of this training. Collaboration creates a
stronger sense of unity, and inclusion and would encourage a shared understanding of
what is expected of the team.

4) Reflect on what you would do or not do differently given what you have learned
about this frame.

To change things I would give priority to direct and clear communication with the team.
This would encourage an effective exchange of ideas that come directly from the
involved parties, but we can also convey our ideas that are at the basis of our
organizational culture. Getting direct feedback from the team and making sure that there
are no misinterpretations or misunderstandings. I would be very attentive to make sure
that communication is clear, and conflict-free so that the training would run smoothly. I
want to make sure that we are aware of the cultural differences that are used in this frame
and that we can all adapt to achieve balance.

 I would not change any of the symbols that the organization because they are the
manifestation of a very powerful brand that inspires its customers and its employees
alike. The symbolic frame communicates ambition, determination, and encouragement to
achieve one’s highest potential and resonates with all of the team members, including the
participants in this training. The company has always strived to use its symbolic frame to
make people feel equal, included, heard, and treated equally. In this aspect Nike is a
champion of promoting a strong stance on social issues while continuing to inspire and
encourage everyone whether athlete or not to believe in themselves and make a positive
impact in the world.

 Reference or References

Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2021). Reframing organizations: Artistry, Choice, and Leadership
(7th ed.). SanFrancisco, CA: Jossey-Bass)