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.
I like the ideas of seemingly random directions coming together to form one body. I also, picture that body of water being dammed up to create a resource of power. Hydro-cerebral power of thought and influence in the educational setting. Using the stored resources of all the waterfalls and transferring the power to students and the community at large.
ReplyDeleteJewel,
ReplyDeleteDoes the idea of "free flowing" reflect the culture at community colleges?
Vachel
in my opinion yes. We have a culture that has been formed over a number of years. And it is extremely difficult to change any of those patterns. The one change that we were able to successfully make was several years ago when we switched from the quarter system to semesters. More recently we have moved to online registration. Again major changes for our system.
ReplyDeleteJewell, What a beautiful and powerful symbol! I wonder about the rocks under all that water. What do they represent? Will they be changed through erosion? Or, do they direct the water? The waterfall of the community college flows into the sea of knowledge!
ReplyDeleteInteresting timing dear Jewel,
ReplyDeleteI just returned from my brother's wedding in TN and saw the waterfalls wondering at times where they began, yet also where they ended. As the rain became downpours, I also saw rivers flooding creating much larger waterfalls and picking up more debris at higher rates.
In comparison to organizations, we see our rivers rise and other debris being caught and sent along the currents. With heavier "hammers" from stakeholders, I also feel the rapids become much tougher to the point of needing a life jacket in order to keep everyone moving in the same direction.
The picture you chose seems to be very peaceful and welcoming.
The other side would be the muddy, high floods and strong, dangerous currents that often come into play in the organization.
Great job!
(side note: we even saw a car head into the rapids due to flooding...what would that depict in the organization?)