Discussion Forum 10
For your organization, or one you are familiar with, what are the observable artifacts, stated values, and taken-for-granted beliefs associated with your organization’s culture? How would you describe your organization’s culture using the Double-S Cube Model? How are the values reinforced? How do they affect your own performance and personal satisfaction? How do they affect your organization’s performance?
Discussion Forum 10
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Discussion Forum 10
Observable Artifacts at Walmart Organization.
Every organization has a culture that comprises three layers, namely, observable artifacts, enacted values, and espoused values. The visible aspects of corporate culture that may be considered by everyone interested in knowing about the company are what defines observable artifacts (Christensen, Lægreid, & Røvik, 2020). In the case of Walmart, the corporate values of the company are always found on its website. The values at Walmart states that it cares for customer services, strives for excellence, and respects every individual (Walmart, 2021).
Observable artifacts in every organization`s culture are what lead to the success of the particular store and separate people. The observable artifacts of Walmart are advertising decorations and dresses (Walmart, 2021). While looking at the staff of this company, it’s easy to understand that the image of the company has a high reputation along with its observable artifacts.
The Stated Values
Walmart has identified four basic values with which it operates. Service to customers entails listening to, anticipating, and serving customer want and needs, and empowering associates to serve them better (Walmart, 2021). Respect for individuals involves activities such as listening and trusting others, leading by example, embracing inclusivity, and giving honest feedback. Strive for Excellence pushes the company to achieve high performance celebrating and awarding success, and strategic planning for the future. Finally, acting with integrity calls for honesty, fairness, and courage (Walmart, 2021).
Beliefs Taken for Granted at Walmart’s Structure.
Walmart is believed to have evolved from Sam Walton`s goals for best customer service and vital value. The company was built on the belief that good governance relies on willing service. Walmart company went public in the year 1970 (Tikhonova, 2021). Sam`s competitors could not believe that the success of the business depends on offering great services and at lower prices as he suggested. It has been taken for granted that Sam’s idea is what contributed to the growth of Walmart. Though he died in 1992, his legacy still lives (Tikhonova, 2021).
Description of the Organization’s Culture Using the Double-S Cube Model.
A corporation’s character can be illuminated by finding its solidarity and sociability. One can build abettor character for an organization such as Walmart by understanding the above two factors. In the double-S Cube diagram, the vertical axis is the sociability dimension, and solidarity is represented by the horizontal axis (Christensen, Lægreid, & Røvik, 2020).
How Values Are Reinforced at Walmart Company.
The key values that are highlighted in the company include and are not limited to such factors as:
- Inclusive opportunity. – Walmart established shared value networks that helped in predicting the system racism via business initiative together with Walmart foundation.
- Covid-19 response. – the organization altered its ways of operation to protect the life of customers, communities, and associates (Nguyen, Yandi, & Mahaputra, 2020).
- Governance. – the company enhanced the disclosure of its board alignment, public policy, and even digital citizenship. It also changed its code of conduct to boost the accountability culture, trust, and transparency (Tikhonova, 2021).
- Climate and nature. – Walmart made a list of climatic actions to CDPs. An estimate of 36% was also sourced by the company of its electricity needs that are from renewable energy.
How the Values Affect the Organization’s Performance and Mine too
The values adopted at Walmart improved my performance as an individual. Working in an environment that values and respects individual employees has given me a sense of belonging and accountability. In turn, it gives me the self-drive to give my best. The effects of these values and culture have enabled Walmart to sell its merchandise at lower prices compared to its competitors. It created an effect that went beyond the retail market. Since its structure seems to be favoring it as a retail company, the local retail will continue to fall as it continues to make huge profits.
References
Christensen, T., Lægreid, P., & Røvik, K., (2020). Organization theory and the public sector: Instrument, culture, and myth. Routledge.
Nguyen, P., Yandi, A., & Mahaputra, M., (2020). Factors that influence employee performance: motivation, leadership, environment, culture organization, work achievement, competence, and compensation (A study of human resource management literature studies). Dinasti International Journal of Digital Business Management, 1(4), 645-662.
Tikhonova, M. (2021). Financial Analysis of Walmart and Costco in 2017-2018. SCIENTISTs, 100.
Walmart. (2021). Working at Walmart. https://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/working-at-walmart