RUNNING HEADER: Cultural Analysis EDUC 745
CASE STUDY: CULTURAL ANALYSIS
Describe the culture of your organization and whether cultural differences exist within the
various units of your organization.
Organizational culture is the collection of values, expectations, and practices that guide and
inform the actions of all team members. Harmoni Community School has a very diverse culture
due to the population of the students being 50% Hispanic. The organization focuses on making
sure everyone feels included in all aspects of the growth of the organization. They have a very
unique set of traits that make the company unique. “A great culture exemplifies positive traits
that lead to improved performance, while a dysfunctional company culture brings out qualities
that can hinder even the most successful organizations.” Harmoni Community Schools is a very
organized and precise organization. It has a very unique way of communication and is very
impactful with its results.
Not to confuse culture with organizational goals or a mission statement, although both can are in
line with each other. The Culture is nurtured through the creation of consistent and authentic
behaviors formed to through personal human contact. Watching the company culture in action
when you see how the CEO responded to the local shooting crisis, how an admin team adapts to
new parents' demands, or how an admin corrects a teacher who makes a mistake are examples
of how culture is maintained. This organization handles these areas effortlessly. They focus on
celebrating the individual for their hard work, accessing the problem, and solving them quickly.
“Cultural differences are the various beliefs, behaviors, languages, practices, and expressions
considered unique to members of a specific ethnicity, race or national origin.” (Wong 2021)
RUNNING HEADER: Cultural Anaylsis EDUC 745
Harmoni Community Schools have created a department to ensure there are no cultural
differences within the network. Most teams consist of employees who are younger or older than
their co-workers, employees who hold higher degrees than others in the workplace, and
individuals who grew up in either metropolitan areas or small towns. Most employees often have
more things in common than they do differences. Those differences can sometimes outweigh the
good and even overshadow, however, this community worked to ensure this does not happen.
That resulted in a more vibrant office, and fewer problems resulting from a culture clash.
How does your organization develop consensus on mission, tasks, and goals?
Wong states in his article regarding Organizational Culture that, “Consensus building is a
process involving a good-faith effort to meet the interests of all stakeholders and seek a
unanimous agreement. A consensus-building approach allows groups to reach an overwhelming
agreement among relevant stakeholders and maximize possible gains to everyone.” (Wong,
2021) Our organizations work hard to always ask and inquire about how the organizations feel
about various changes. They send an email with weekly pulse checks where employees have the
opportunity to express their thoughts and give feedback. I have seen suggestions implemented by
the staff member that has made a positive impact on the school. Though this is my first year, I
have spoken to many individuals who have been working there since its inception, and they all
agree that they have contributed to the growth of the organization in some way. Stakeholders
having the chance to voice their opinions about what is happening is a great way for leaders to
make effective changes in the organization.
RUNNING HEADER: Cultural Analysis EDUC 745
What is your role within the organization and how is this different from your actual job
description?
As the Visual Art Teacher, one is responsible for teaching grades kindergarten, first and second.
One is responsible for doing exactly what the job description outlines.
Here is a list of what a Visual Art teacher does do.
· Creating lesson plans
· Teaching scholars a common core based curriculum
· Integrating technology into lessons and plans
· Motivating scholars towards the achievement
· Meeting with parents regarding performance and conduct
· Developing scholar improvement plans
· Working with special educators in a co-teaching model for students with IEP plans
· Work planning with school and network teams
· Attending weekly required professional development training
· Participate in network art showcases
· Create and review student assessments
· Art Teachers report to the school Principal.
Each item on the list are directly related to my job description. The organization has not asked
me to step outside of the ramifications of the job description. They support the Art department
and have been sending funds for supplies. It has been great watching the growth in such a
short time. Working alongside the school principal to do school-wide Art projects has made
the process greater and more impactful.
RUNNING HEADER: Cultural Analysis EDUC 745
REFERENCES
Bolman, L.G., & Deal, T.E. (2017). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership
(6th ed.). Wiley &Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119281856
Wong, K. (2021, April 9). Organizational culture: Definition, importance, and development.
Engage Blog. Retrieved October 15, 2021, from
https://www.achievers.com/blog/organizational-culture-definition/.
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