Assumptions About the Nature of Time and Space

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Assumptions About the Nature of Time and Space

• Schein Chapter 8

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Time . . .

• The deep structure of culture consists of not
  only how we perceive reality and truth, but also
  of how we orient ourselves toward our physical
  and human environment.
• Time is the fundamental symbolic category that
  we use for talking about the orderliness of
  social life P. 151

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Time

• Imposes social order
• Defines the manner in which things are handled
• Conveys status
• Conveys intention

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Basic Time Orientations

• Past How things used to be
• Present How to get the immediate task
  accomplished
• Future Research and development building market
  share at expense of immediate profits
• Which is your organization?

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Time Orientation

• Monochronic
• Time is a valuable commodity
• Infinitely divisible linear ribbon
• Divided or compartmentalized
• One thing is done at a time
• Polychronic
• Accomplishments define time frames
• Phases
• One season follows next
• Multiple tasks at one time
• Synchronization of activities

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Time Orientation

• What are the greatest challenges between
  monochronically and polychronically oriented
  individuals?
• What is the connection between time concepts and
  status?
• What situations are most conducive to monochronic
  time orientation?
• What situations are more conducive to polychronic
  time orientation?

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Time Orientation

• We need the baby in six months.
• Sorry, the baby will take nine months.
• Discuss planning time and development time from
  these perspectives.

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Time Orientation

• What factors in organizational culture affect
  time horizons?
• Why would organizations entrain activities?

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Space

• What are some basic assumptions about space
  within American organizational culture?
• What are some architectural styles associated
  with specific kinds or organizations?

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Space

• Intimate 6 to 18
• Personal 30 to 2 or 4
• Intense eye movement
• Normal, soft voice
• Social distance 4 to 7 near to 12 far
• Less personal focus on individuals
• Raise voice slightly
• Public Distance 12 to 25
• Eyes rove

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Time and Space

• How are they interrelated?
• How would an organization which embraces
  monochronic time need to be laid out?
• How would an organization which embraces
  polychronic time need to be laid out?
• How has technology impacted both of these
  concepts of time and space?

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Human Nature, Activity, Relationships

• Schein 9

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Human Nature

• What does it mean to be human?
• What are basic instincts?
• What behaviors are considered acceptable

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Evolution of Western Thinking About Humans

• Humans are rational-economic actors
• Humans are social animals with social needs
• Humans are problem solvers and self-actualizers
  with primary needs to be challenged
• Humans are complex and malleable

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Human Nature

• Hawthorne Studies
• McGregor Theory X and Theory Y
• Introvert or Extrovert

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Organizational Approaches to Human Activities

• The doing organization
• The being organization
• The Being-In-Becoming organization
• What are the key points in each of these
  typologies?

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Organizational Environmental Relationships

• Can nature be subjugated and controlled?
• Must we be in harmony with nature?
• Must one subjugate self to nature?
• Does the organization view itself as capable of
  dominating and changing its environment?
• Which industries typically embrace which of these
  views?

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Basic Human Relationship Questions

• Identity and Role What am I supposed to be in
  this group and what will be my role?
• Power and Influence Will my needs for influence
  and control be met?
• Needs and Goals Will the groups goals allow me
  to meet my own needs?
• Acceptance and Intimacy Will I be accepted,
  respected, and loved in this group? How close
  will our relationship be?

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Human Relationship Perspectives

• Individualism vs. Groupism
• Power Distance
• Characteristics and Roles
• What are some basic US assumptions?
• Relationships
• View of each other
• Social rewards

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Activity Orientation and Role Definition

• Work is primary
• Family is primary
• Self-interest is primary
• Some kind of integrated view
• Which is most common in US organizations?
• What is a masculine vs. feminine organization?

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Cultural Typologies

• Schein 10

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Cultural Typologies

• What is the value of cultural typologies?
• What are the dangers of using typologies?
• What are main focus of the more common
  typologies?
• What are the important intraorganizational
  typologies? P. 198-199

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Deciphering Culture

• Schein 11

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Deciphering Culture

• What are some valid reasons for gathering
  cultural information about an organization?
• What are some of the challenges involved in
  gathering cultural data?
• What are the ethical challenges related to
  gathering organizational data?