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.

I was the executive assistant to the CEO, whom I reported to 3-4 days a week. I
cold calling offices, scheduled meetings, delivered locally ordered products, ran social
media accounts, and documented sales meetings. I had a dynamic role that wore many
hats depending on the day. The CLO, Elisabeth Orb decided to leave abruptly from the
organization. This in turn resulted in rebranding of the company. CEO decided to go into
advanced wound care. They are unable to keep wound care under the name Medical
Solutions Inc because of the licensing being under Elisabeths name. But as the text writes
in Chapter 2, “Moreover, organizations are open systems dealing with a changing,
challenging, and erratic environment. Things can get even messier across multiple
organizations”. (Bolman & Deal, 2021) Foreshadowing the corruption of this
organization, there was a disagreement between current clients that frequently purchased
from them and were not in the market for wound care. This led to a sharp decline in sales
and relationships that tanked its business bank account. Resulting of the unethical sales
and distribution under a company name that no longer held the licensing agreement with
the state. The CEO only retained 1 representative through this change and continued to
do business pocketing the sales commission. Yes, I was a technically internal person of
this organization but was not included in any decision making of these changes. I had no
certainty besides suspicion for 3 weeks up until my lay off date.

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

The symbols of the organization played a big role in influencing the situation
above. The rebranding process following the departure of the Chief Legal Officer and the
transition into advanced wound care highlighted a shift in the company's identity and
direction. The name change signaled a departure from the previous associations and

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 commitments of Medical Solutions Inc., prompting a disconnect with existing clients and
raising questions about the company's integrity and licensing agreements.

The abrupt nature of CLO’s departure and the subsequent rebranding added to the
ambiguity and instability within the organization, fostering an atmosphere of uncertainty
and suspicion among employees like me, the executive assistant. The disagreement with
current clients further eroded existing trust and confidence in the company's ability to
maintain ethical standards.

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

Prioritizing ethical business practice and compliance with the licensing

agreements is crucial for rebuilding any credibility with clients and potential
stakeholders. The company should’ve demonstrated a some sort of commitment to
integrity and accountability through a way of transparent sales and distribution practices,
as well as proactive measures to address any concerns

The company CEO should engage in open communication with employees,

including the executive assistant, regarding significant changes such as the departure of
key personnel and the rebranding process.

The rebranding process should be approached strategically, emphasizing

continuity with the company's values and commitments while signaling growth and
innovation in the field of advanced wound care. Balancing symbols such as the company
logo, mission statement, and corporate culture can help reinforce a sense of identity and
purpose.

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

I was asked why didn’t I leave sooner? Sure, the pay was nice, quick jobs, easy hours.
Most of all, I was young and inexperienced. Knowing what I know now then, I would’ve raised
an eyebrow to some of the ethical standards my boss was steering away from. Because I thought
that just was the way things were supposed to be. Looking back, I don’t want to assume that my
role was created to be a “distraction” but I did very light lifting compared to any of the legalities
the CEO or CLO faced. I stayed out of the offices unless instructed.
With the knowledge I have acquired through the process of my degree, life
experience, and time with my current organization. I have seen multiple different views of what

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a team looks like. How to function with the right leadership involved in our success. I am
grateful for the opportunity to learn and observe what I did. I don’t believe it was my place then
to question anything. But being confident in my voice, opinions, and thoughts now is a strength
to suggest other options. Use my connection to secure a clear pathway of communication to the
sales representatives to give any warnings about suspicious activity and listen to their
thoughts/opinions.

Reference
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Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2021). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership (7th ed.).