51Discussion: Social Systems

Culture is part of all organizations, and social systems exist in any given company. When an individual becomes an employee, he or she also becomes part of that organization's social system. This is the general system in which people relate to one another at work. As such, many variables may influence an organization's social system, which can impact the working balance. When working relationships are functional, they contribute to the organization's success.

Considering your current or past workplace, describe how the social system operates and how people contribute to or taint the system. How do people contribute to the social harmony (or disharmony) at your workplace?