Post a symbol of organizational culture with a brief narrative explanation

Organizational culture is made up of many parts including ideas, values, symbols, rituals, assumptions and experiences. These all come together to form the organization's culture.

I selected the waterfall as a symbol of this coming together. It represents the fliud process of this coming together from various aspects and angles. Waterfalls are free flowing and develop over long periods of time - organizational culture is similiar. They both also imply the resistance any external controls - forming paths and patterns seemingly on thier own. Organizational culture is full of impressions, and legends that may or may not be true. But they entered over a period of time and can be extremely difficult to erradicate - in spite of the leader's best effort. Just like waterfalls, organizational culture can be a force to be reckoned with.

Many waterfalls flow into larger bodies of water, bringing things that were picked up along the way. Some become a permanent part of the larger body others drift away. The end result is always there, but identifying the parts is next to impossible.

What metaphors do educational organizations typically use to describe their approach to human resources? How well do these metaphors work?

The metaphors most frequently used to describe the human resource frame are family and community. These are terms associated with the HR frame. It supports the leaders belief that organizational goals and objectives can best be achieved when the organization is supportive of the needs of its employees. It also assumes that employees are placed in positions that allow them to utilize their skills and supports their continued growth and development. There is generally lots of support for professional developement and flexible work schedules. You may also notice that leaders with an HR frame are really concerned about relationships. They care about how people feel and are generally in favor of company or department social events like picnics and retreats. These events are an effort to promote a personal and caring environment. It is not surprising (maybe even expected) to see co-workers/leaders attend family events like weddings, funerals, or holiday socials.

Leaders in the HR frame support employee empowerment and welcome input from staff members. They may have an "open door" policy. Which implies the willingness to always hear feedback and new ideas.

The HR frame is workable and most people would prefer to work in a family or community environment where they are valued as individuals. However, for the leader of this type of organization there is the basic challenge of alligning the goals and objectives of the organization with the needs of the employees.

The HR frame is the one that I naturally gravitate towards. I make it a point to get to know staff members. It is also a part of my management style to inquire about vacations, sick relatives and other events that are important to staff. I make sure to send flowers for hospital stays, weddings and funerals. It is a part of our family environment. New employees are welcomed to the "family". I think staff members appreciate the personal touch and I believe it is an important element in helping me to reach organizational. One of the drawbacks of this frame is that it requires a good deal of time to talk to people (I do about a 20-30 minute walkaround every morning) and it can also be emotionally draining to support staff in this very personal way. But this is a style that I am comfortable with and one that has proven to be effective in my organization.