Stories of Integration, Differentiation, and Fragmentation: One University's Culture.
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| Title: | Stories of Integration, Differentiation, and Fragmentation: One University's Culture. |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Kramer, Michael W., Berman, Julie E. |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 31 |
| Publication Date: | 1998 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research Speeches/Meeting Papers |
| Descriptors: | Communication Research, Higher Education, Organizational Climate, Organizational Communication, Story Telling, Student Attitudes, Universities, Values |
| Geographic Terms: | U.S.; Missouri |
| Abstract: | This study examined the culture of a university by analyzing its stories. Stories were collected over a period of five years at a large midwestern research university. Results suggest that a strong student subculture is frequently in conflict with the organization's dominant tradition-based culture. Stories illustrate the conflict between these two, as well as provide examples of unity between them. Other stories are ambiguous, not clearly espousing any values. In this way, the analysis suggests the importance of using all three perspectives on organizational culture defined by J. Martin (1992). The results seem applicable to studying other organizations as well, since stories of conflict and unity may provide insight into organizations' cultures. Contains 21 references and a figure illustrating the typology of organizational stories. (Author/RS) |
| Notes: | Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the National Communication Association (84th, New York, NY, November 21-24, 1998). |
| Journal Code: | RIEAUG1999 |
| Entry Date: | 1999 |
| Accession Number: | ED428408 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This study examined the culture of a university by analyzing its stories. Stories were collected over a period of five years at a large midwestern research university. Results suggest that a strong student subculture is frequently in conflict with the organization's dominant tradition-based culture. Stories illustrate the conflict between these two, as well as provide examples of unity between them. Other stories are ambiguous, not clearly espousing any values. In this way, the analysis suggests the importance of using all three perspectives on organizational culture defined by J. Martin (1992). The results seem applicable to studying other organizations as well, since stories of conflict and unity may provide insight into organizations' cultures. Contains 21 references and a figure illustrating the typology of organizational stories. (Author/RS) |
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