Organizational Culture Paper

For this excerpt we will be discussing and describing the organizational culture of the organization of Security Forces within the United States Air Force. To begin, we must answer two simple questions. What is a culture and what is its role in an organization? These questions were specifically answered in a formal way in Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2021, p.272) where it is stated as, “a pattern of shared basic assumptions that a group learned as it solved its problems of external adaptation and integration, that has worked well enough to be taught to new members as the correct way to perceive, think, and feel in relation to those problems.” These questions will all be answered by the end of this excerpt.

This will be done by examining the organization through the practice or lens of Systems Theory. We will further discuss the aspects of Systems theory and how this theory can be applied to describe the organizational culture of Security Forces. To explain the organizational culture, we will apply 5 different concepts. The concepts that will be used are symbols like heroes, stories, rituals, ceremony, and play. All these different aspects will join to give us a sense of the organization’s culture.

Section 1: Systems Theory

To begin we will start with a description of the Systems Theory. As stated in Senge, P., Kleiner, A., Roberts, C., Ross, R., & Smith, B. (1994, p.97), “A good systems thinker, particularly in an organizational setting, is someone who can see four levels operating simultaneously…”. In Wheatley, M. & Kellner-Rogers, M. (1998, p.77) it states, “Like any living system, every organization coevolves. Its character and capabilities emerge as it plays with possibilities.” By joining these two ideas of Systems theory, we come to an understanding that Systems Theory is looking at the organizations patterns to understand the cause and effect. Also, that the systems develop on their own, and that one shouldn’t try to control them.

Thus, the elements of this theory within organizations come. The first element is information. The flow of information is vital to the organizations, whether it is flexible or restricted. The second element is identity. The system should understand itself and its values. Lastly, the third element is relationships. This is how the people in the organization experience one another. This consensus of Systems theory will be applied to understand the organization’s culture.

Section 2: Application of Systems Theory

The systems theory was chosen to describe the security forces organization for many reasons. The system theory reflects how the hierarchy of the organization works. As an example, we will start with the aspect that all soldiers must go to basic military training before they are to be fully immersed in the armed forces. This activity that everyone must go through best correlates with Senge, P., Kleiner, A., Roberts, C., Ross, R., & Smith, B. (1994, p.94) depiction of, “Brownies Lamb: Learning to see the World Systemically.” In this story the writer simply concludes that trying to alter a system might not always be the best practice, patiently waiting and letting it happen on its own, may be the best for any organization.

This idea is ideal for the soldiers who are training the future soldiers who come to basic military training. The prospective soldiers most of the time do not know much and must learn to be a soldier. Sometimes it is not best to just constantly yell and force the soldiers to get everything right. Sometimes the best practice is to just be patient and let them develop on their own, like in the Lamb reading. This understanding of the application of the theory will bring us to the concepts being used to explain.

Section 3, Concept 1: (Heroes)

The first concept that will be used to describe the organization’s culture is the concept called heroes. The concept Heroes is defined in Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2021, p.258) “Organizations often rely on CEOs or other prominent leaders as exemplars. To use the systems theory in relation to the hero’s concept for the security forces organization, here is an example.

The Security Forces organization holds a ceremony for the soldiers in the security forces squadron every year. They incorporate a Distinguished Airman Award (in honor of past airmen who lost their life in the line of duty). This ceremony can have a positive effect on other squadrons to offer a similar award for their fallen allies as well in the future. This concept illustrates that this organization holds high value to soldiers who work too well and exemplify those who are no longer with us.

Section 4, Concept 2: (Stories)

This brings us to the second concept that will be examined. To have heroes, one must also have stories. Stories as stated in Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2021, p.260)’ Stories are deeply rooted in human experience. It is through story that we can see into each other’s souls and see the soul of the organization. The stories within the security forces organization for the most part come to the act of resilience.

One story that is reoccurring within the organization, from those who hold high status, is a story of enduring and learning. There are always high-ranking individuals telling you stories about their time as new soldiers. They speak about how hardheaded and stuck in their ways to begin with. To progress through the ranks, they had to learn to be more understanding. They had to change their outlook on things to prosper within the military. Usually using storytelling, individuals that are on a bad path can fix themselves for the better. This shows that this organization has a deep root in resilience and mentorship.

Section 5, Concept 3: (Rituals)

The next concept that will be distinguished is the concept of rituals. As stated in Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2021, p.264),” As a symbolic act, ritual is a routine that “usually has a stateable purpose, but one that invariably alludes to more than it says, and has many meanings at once” Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2021, p.260)’This concept relates to the security forces organization because they are filled with many rituals that mean different things. One ritual that is used within this organization every day can be heard from miles away. The ritual is called Reveille.

Reveille is a morning song that is played every morning at every military installation. From its beginnings it was designed to muster a military unit or for roll to be called. Now it is the mark of the start of the day. It is played while raising the flag. Furthermore, it signifies honoring those who have served and died in the line of duty. This shows that the organization is a culture of respect and honor.

Section 6, Concept 4: (Ceremony)

One of the concepts that closely resembles rituals is the concept of ceremony. Though they are similar this concept has a different depiction. As stated, “The distinction between ritual and ceremony is elusive. As a rule of thumb, rituals are more frequent, everyday routines imbued with special meaning. Ceremonies are more episodic, grander, and more elaborate” Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2021, p.268). In contrast this organization has ceremonies that are performed at the funerals of soldiers who have passed away. This ceremony is an elaborate way of celebrating the life of the soldiers. This ceremony renews the faith, hope and spirit of all the people in attendance. This act shows a culture of dignity and respect to others.

Section 7, Concept 5: (Play)

This brings us to the final concept that will be discussed. The final concept is the concept of Play. As stated, “play illustrates the important “as if”, “suppose that” quality of symbols Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2021, p.270). This concept is apparent in these organizations when the security forces squadron has a basketball tournament. This act is a yearly activity that gets the people to exert themselves and forget about any real problems. This activity brings the people together to work as a team for a common goal. This act shows a culture of comradery and teamwork. Thus, showing that the organization takes great pride in these aspects of teamwork.

Conclusion

In conclusion we have discussed the organizational culture of the security forces organization. This was done first by using the theory of systems theory. By defining this theory and applying it to come to a census. This was done by using 5 different concepts of heroes, stories, rituals, ceremonies and plays to explain the organization’s culture. We found that this organization has a culture of respect when it comes to the concept of heroes. Then we found in relation to stories that culture represents resilience and mentorship. The third concept of rituals we found the culture to represent respect and honor. With the fourth concept of ceremony, we found the culture to represent dignity and respect. To our final concept of play which taught us the teamwork aspect of the organizations culture. The use of all these different methods to understand this organization’s culture has put us in a better position to define the security forces organization’s culture.

References

Wheatley, M. & Kellner-Rogers, M. (1998)

Senge, P., Kleiner, A., Roberts, C., Ross, R., & Smith, B. (1994)

Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2021)