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Learning Journal Unit 8

UoP - University of the People

BUS 1101-01 Principles of Business Management

Lynetta Mcallum

January 4, 2024
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The Analysis of Organizational Culture

Introduction

Organizational culture plays a vital role in shaping the behavior and defining the

identity of a company. According to Carpenter, Bauer, and Erdogan (2010), it

encompasses shared values, beliefs, and practices that guide the actions of its members.

One company that stands out for its distinctive and influential culture is Google, a leading

tech organization. The analysis of organizational culture is crucial as it has a significant

impact on employee satisfaction, retention, and performance. A strong and positive

culture can foster a sense of belonging and motivation among employees, leading to

higher levels of job satisfaction and commitment. It also helps in attracting and retaining

top talent, as individuals are drawn to organizations with a positive culture. Moreover, a

well-defined culture can guide employees in their decision-making and behavior, leading

to improved performance and productivity. Therefore, organizations must assess and

actively shape their culture to create a positive and conducive work environment.

Characterization of Organization Culture

Google's culture has been highly regarded in the business world for its focus on

fostering innovation. This can be seen through its emphasis on various aspects such as

collaboration, openness, and employee well-being. The company has successfully

achieved this through the implementation of the Organizational Culture Profile (OCP)

dimensions, specifically the innovative, outcome-oriented, team-oriented, and people-

oriented dimensions. By prioritizing these dimensions, Google has been able to create a

work environment that promotes creativity, encourages teamwork, and values the
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satisfaction of its employees. This has not only resulted in numerous groundbreaking

products and services but also in a strong and dedicated workforce that is committed to

driving the company's success. Google's culture of innovation has undoubtedly played a

significant role in its continued success and recognition as one of the most innovative

companies in the world. This has been a significant strength for the company, as it has

enabled them to continuously develop new and groundbreaking products and services.

However, it is important to note that the intense focus on innovation can also be a

weakness, as it may lead to burnout and high expectations that could be stressful for some

employees. As such, Google must continue to find a balance between innovation and

employee well-being to maintain its culture of innovation and ensure the long-term

success of the company.

Artifacts that Create Organizational Culture

Google is renowned for its unique and innovative approach to workplace culture,

and this is evident in the various artifacts that can be found within its offices. The open

office layouts, for example, promote collaboration and foster a sense of community

among employees. This layout encourages the free exchange of ideas and allows for a

more fluid and dynamic work environment. Additionally, the iconic "Google Doodle"

that appears on the company's search engine homepage showcases not only creativity but

also the company's playful and fun-loving spirit. This artifact serves as a reminder of

Google's commitment to innovation and its willingness to think outside the box.

Furthermore, Google's various employee benefits, such as on-site gyms and free gourmet

meals, demonstrate the company's dedication to employee well-being and creating a

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positive work-life balance. These artifacts not only reflect Google's core values of

collaboration, creativity, and employee well-being but also contribute to the company's

overall success and reputation as a leader in the tech industry.

Application of the Five Signs of Organizational Culture

The five signs of organizational culture - language, stories, rituals and

ceremonies, symbols, and control systems - are evident in Google. The company's

language is informal and collaborative, reflecting its emphasis on teamwork and

openness. Stories of successful projects born from the 20%-time policy, such as Gmail

and AdSense, reinforce the value of innovation. Rituals and ceremonies include weekly

all-hands meetings ("TGIF") and employee recognition events. Symbols include the

colorful Google logo and the open office layouts, while the control systems involve

performance metrics and peer reviews that encourage innovation and collaboration.

Influence of Leader in shaping the Organization’s Culture

Google's founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, have played a crucial role in

shaping the culture of the company. Their vision of making information universally

accessible and useful has been the driving force behind Google's success. This vision,

coupled with their values of innovation and risk-taking, has created a unique culture

within the company. Page and Brin's leadership style, which emphasizes autonomy and

creativity, has fostered a culture of innovation at Google. This culture of innovation has

not only led to the development of groundbreaking products and services, but it has also

attracted top talent to the company. The influence of Page and Brin can be seen in every
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aspect of Google's culture, from its open and collaborative work environment to its

commitment to constantly pushing the boundaries of technology. Their leadership has

been instrumental in creating a culture that values innovation, creativity, and a relentless

pursuit of making information universally accessible and useful.

Employee Experience

Google's culture has positively influenced its employees' experience and shaped

their behaviors at work. The emphasis on innovation and collaboration has fostered a

creative and cooperative work environment. The focus on employee well-being, evident

in the various employee benefits and flexible work arrangements, has contributed to high

employee satisfaction and retention rates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Google's organizational culture has been a key factor in the

company's success. The culture, which is built on values of innovation, collaboration,

openness, and employee well-being, has been a significant strength for the company. This

culture has fostered a dynamic and creative work environment, allowing employees to

constantly push boundaries and stay ahead of the competition. Additionally, the focus on

employee well-being has resulted in high levels of job satisfaction, leading to improved

retention rates and overall performance. However, it is important to note that the intense

focus on innovation can also be a potential weakness, as it may create a high-pressure

work environment. Nonetheless, it is undeniable that Google's culture, heavily influenced

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by the company's founders, has played a crucial role in shaping the company into the

global leader it is today.

(Word Count 995)

References

Carpenter, M., Bauer, T., & Erdogan, B. (2010). Management principles, v. 1.1.

https://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/management-principles-v1.1/index.html