The Integration of Culture in Organizational Innovation Context Research Paper

The Integration of Culture in Organizational Innovation Context - Research Paper Example Schein (2010) found it difficult to derive a definition of culture due to conceptual and semantic confusions while the scholar also argued that it is not possible to define different social groups under the roof of universally accepted definition of culture. In such context, Alvesson and Sveningsson (2008) suggested that the focus should be on defining culture within organization rather than understanding the culture of social groups sharing similar kind of traditions, rituals, history and customs. Brooks (2009) also tried to define the organizational culture in terms of norms, behavior of members and knowledge sharing, yet, such definition is far from capturing full dimensions of culture. To clear out confusions regarding definition and characteristics of organizational culture, the research paper will use Schein’s (2010) idea for organizational culture. According to Schein (2010), organizational culture has dimensions like behavioral regularities, group dynamics, espoused va lues, ideological principles, unwritten rules of the organization, communication between members, special competencies displayed by group members, shared cognitive frames between members, the way team members celebrate within organization, emotional and aesthetic response etc. Now, the fact is that it is very difficult to integrate all the mentioned elements within same organizational context but there is no doubt that these factors play vital role in shaping the organizational culture. Schein (2010) also identified three levels of culture such as, Artifacts, Espoused Beliefs & Value and Underlying Assumptions. Artifacts- structure of the organization and business process can help the firm to define its culture. For example, W.L. Gore & Associates which is known for its lattice organizational structure and business process fostering innovation and creativity (Gore, 2013). Espoused Beliefs & Value- strategies of the organization and vision statement can be termed as the brickwork beh ind culture.  Ã‚