The cultural web is a concept developed by organizational theorist Edgar Schein that describes the various elements that make up an organization's culture. It is a way of understanding and analyzing the underlying assumptions, values, and beliefs that shape an organization's behavior and decision-making processes.
According to Schein, the cultural web consists of six interrelated elements: stories and legends, rituals and ceremonies, symbols, power structure, control systems, and organizational structure. Each of these elements plays a role in shaping the culture of an organization and how it operates.
Stories and legends are the narratives and anecdotes that are passed down within an organization. They often involve the founders or key figures in the organization's history and can serve as a way of conveying important values and beliefs.
Rituals and ceremonies are the formal and informal traditions that are practiced within an organization. They can include things like team-building activities, employee recognition events, or company-wide meetings. These rituals and ceremonies serve as a way of reinforcing the values and beliefs of the organization.
Symbols are the physical representations of an organization's culture. They can include things like logos, uniforms, or office design. Symbols serve as a way of visually representing the culture of an organization and can be used to convey important messages about the organization's values and beliefs.
The power structure of an organization refers to the way in which power and authority are distributed within the organization. It includes things like the hierarchy of leadership and the decision-making processes that are in place.
Control systems are the mechanisms that are used to monitor and regulate the behavior of employees within an organization. They can include things like performance evaluations, policies and procedures, and rewards and punishments.
Finally, the organizational structure refers to the way in which the organization is structured and how work is divided and coordinated. It includes things like departmentalization, specialization, and the reporting relationships between employees.
Understanding the cultural web can be useful for organizations as it can help them to identify and address any issues that may be impacting the culture of the organization. It can also be useful for individuals looking to understand the culture of an organization they are considering joining or working with. By understanding the various elements that make up an organization's culture, it is possible to gain insights into the values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape the way the organization operates.
