Week 4 Discussion- Capstone

Week 1 Learning Resources

Capstone

What Organizational Culture Is

When you think of organizational culture, what comes to mind? Simply put, organizational culture refers to a company’s mission, objectives, expectations, and values that guide business practices and employee behaviors. Using these resources, you will consider what organizational culture is and will begin using these ideas—as well as others you have examined throughout this program—to analyze the organizational culture of the organization that you selected to be the focus of your playbook.

· Cheng, J. Y-J., & Groysberg, B. (2021, June 18).  Research: What inclusive companies have in common .  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 1–7. http://hbr.org

· Dillard, S. R. (2021, April 19).  How inclusive is your leadership?  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 1–8. http://hbr.org Time Estimate: 6 minutes

· GreggU. (2019, November 18).  Organizational cultureLinks to an external site.  [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6Y61qshVv8 Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 14 minutes.

· Kegan, R., Lahey, L., & Fleming, A. (2014, January 22).  Does your company make you a better person?  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 2–4. http://hbr.org

· Greene, J. R. (2022).  Boards can accelerate business performance by fully engaging on organizational cultureLinks to an external site. .  Board Leadership, 2022(181), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1002/bl.30215

· Traphagan, J. (2017, January 6).  We’re thinking about organizational culture all wrong .  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 2–4. http://hbr.org

Benefits and Challenges of Organizational Culture

Businesses with a well-established organizational culture tend to be more successful because they have operational systems in place that not only support employee performance, productivity, and engagement, but also promote the mission, objectives, expectations, and values of the organization. There is a clear sense of purpose, whereby employees not only understand the organization’s goals but can also feel more connected to those goals and to one another. On the other hand, the culture of an organization can present challenges to the strategic success of a business as well. Through these resources, you will consider the benefits and challenges of organizational culture.

· Furst, P. (2021, May 12).  Organizational culture drives (safety) performance.  Occupational Health & Safety.Links to an external site.  https://ohsonline.com/articles/2021/05/12/organizational-culture-drives-safety-performance.aspx

· Herrity, J. (2022. October 31).  Corporate culture examples and benefits Links to an external site. . Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/corporate-culture-examples-benefits

· PwC. (2021).  Global culture survey 2021:  The link between culture and competitive advantageLinks to an external site. . https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/upskilling/global-culture-survey-2020/pwc-global-culture-survey-2021.pdf

Incorporating Culture into Strategy and Business Practices

Not only can a strong, well-defined organizational culture support employee engagement and even improve retention, but that culture can be used as part of a business’s strategy. As you consider the culture and business practices of the company that you selected to feature in your strategy playbook, also begin to think about how those elements could serve as a strategic advantage for that company. Or, if there are adjustments that may need to be made, consider how doing so can promote the organization’s success into the future.

· Bartone, P. T., & Stein, S. J. (2020, March 9).  Build “hardiness” into your organizational culture .  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 2–4. http://hbr.org

· Gafni, N. (2021, July 1).  Do your DE&I efforts consider age, class, and lived experience?  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 1–9. http://hbr.org

· Grant, A. (2021, February 3).  Building a culture of learning at workLinks to an external site. . strategy+business. https://www.strategy-business.com/article/Building-a-culture-of-learning-at-work?utm_source=itw&utm_medium=itw20210701&utm_campaign=resp

· Groysberg, B., Lee, J., Price, J., & Cheng, J. Y.  (2018, January–February).  The leader’s guide to corporate culture .  Harvard Business Review,  96(1), 44–52.

· Yohn, D. L. (2019, December 17).  Build a culture to match your brand .  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 2–6. http://hbr.org

· Yohn, D. L. (2018, October 2).  6 ways to build a customer-centric culture .  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 2–5. http://hbr.org

· Yohn, D. L. (2021, February 8).  Company culture is everyone’s responsibility .  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 1–8. http://hbr.org

Important Documents for the Week

· Document:  MBAX 6990 Assignment Template (Word document) Download MBAX 6990 Assignment Template (Word document)

· GoSkills.com (2023, June 26).  How to create a table of contents in Microsoft 365 | Microsoft Word 365 - Basic & Advanced CourseLinks to an external site.  [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-1vBwJvvzI

· ITsEasyTraining1st. (2023, January 1).  How to add a bibliography entry into a Microsoft Word document Links to an external site.  [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXPGQB4PD3o

Using AI To Promote Organizational Success

The successful integration of AI into organizational processes requires not only cutting-edge technology and talent but also a strategic approach to overcome cultural and organizational barriers. Companies leading in AI adoption emphasize the importance of fostering an AI-ready culture, investing in AI education for all employees, and aligning AI initiatives with the organization's strategic goals. Moreover, the rise of AI has prompted the establishment of numerous AI organizations and institutes focused on promoting responsible and inclusive AI practices, underscoring the broader societal implications of AI deployment.

In this Discussion, you will reflect on Weeks 1, 2, and 3 and use the Learning Resources to explore the organizational aspects of AI. Based on your research, you will provide a consideration for using AI that will convince a CEO that AI can help the organization improve its organizational needs, which can lead to increased revenue and customer satisfaction.

To prepare for this Discussion:

· Identify an organization with which you are familiar and then, using the Learning Resources from the past 3 weeks and those provided on AI, consider how the organization could benefit from using AI to improve its operations. Specifically, consider the importance of integrating AI into organizational processes to enhance efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage.

· Additionally, think about the implications of bias in AI algorithms, data privacy concerns, and the impact of AI on job displacement and workforce dynamics.

Post a synthesis of the strategic use of AI to promote organizational success, including ethical considerations of the use of AI, that includes the following:

· Summarize the strategic advantages of using AI within your selected organization, as follows:

· Identify 2 to 3 benefits of using AI to help the organization improve its efforts to optimize revenue and customer satisfaction.

· In addition, identify 2 to 3 potential challenges that the organization (or organizations in general) may face in aligning AI initiatives with strategic objectives, and explain what strategies might be used to overcome those challenges and bring about positive outcomes.

· Synthesize the ethical considerations of using AI in an organizational setting, including some ways that organizations can promote responsible and inclusive AI practices and mitigate potential ethical risks.

Week 3 Learning Resources

Capstone

The Purpose-Driven Organization

A purpose-driven company stands for and acts on something larger than its products and services. Purpose can be an organizational strategy and a roadmap to remain competitive in a fast-changing economy. Many business leaders are committed to aligning their goal setting and decision making to their organization’s purpose in hopes of driving forward its success. Through these resources, you will consider the purpose-driven organization.

· Blount, S., & Leinwand, P. (2019, November 1).  Why are we here?   Harvard Business Review ,  97 (6), 132–139.

· Eccles, R. G., Strine, L. E., & Youmans, T. (2020, May 13).  3 ways to put your corporate purpose into action .  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles , 2–5. http://hbr.org

· IFC Arthsastra. (2019, October 20).  Michael Porter on purpose  Links to an external site.  [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP0gSFHfQM0&list=TLPQMjMwMjIwMjHLR4rbW-nYeA&index=6

· Leimer, B. (2021, June 24).  How can we build a more purpose-driven company culture?Links to an external site.  https://www.thehrdirector.com/features/csr/how-can-we-build-a-more-purpose-driven-company-culture/

· Malknight, T. W., Buche, I., & Dhanaraj, C. (2019, September 1).  Put purpose at the core of your strategy .  Harvard Business Review ,  97 (5), 70–79.

The Organizational Structure

You may have heard the term  top-down management or  bottom-up management to describe an organization’s structure. Whether hierarchical, flat, or matrixed, an organization’s structure serves as the basis for how an organization distributes its roles and responsibilities to support effective decision making, communication, and achievement of its goals. Through these resources, you will consider different types of organizational structures.

· Communication Coach Alex Lyon. (2018, January 7).  Organizational structure  Links to an external site.  [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUd0UNHyy60

· GreggU. (2019, January 14).  Types of organizational structures  Links to an external site.  [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbcpr1TS9NM

· Lumen Learning. (n.d.).  Common organizational structuresLinks to an external site. . In  Boundless business . https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-management/chapter/common-organizational-structures/

Week 2 Learning Resources

Capstone

The Social and Economic Impacts of an Organization

Imagine a small town in which a new factory is built. Then think about how that business might impact its local community. You may consider the possible job opportunities that the factory will provide to people living in the area, or perhaps you might think of the potential impact to the environment of gases or other chemicals introduced into the air or water supply as a result of production. Or perhaps, that factory, through its corporate social responsibility practices, can provide services that benefit the neighborhoods and families in its local or even global community. No business operates in a vacuum, and whether positive or negative, it is likely to have some kind of impact based on its business practices. Using these resources, you will consider the social and economic impacts of organizations.

· Lumen Learning. (n.d.).  The business environmentLinks to an external site. . In  Boundless business . https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-business/chapter/the-business-environment/#:~:text=The%20Social%20Environment

· Impactgarden.org. (n.d.).  Responsible business  Links to an external site. . https://impactgarden.org/responsible-business/

· TED. (2013, October 7).  Michael Porter: Why business can be good at solving social problems  Links to an external site.  [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iIh5YYDR2o&list=TLPQMjMwMjIwMjHLR4rbW-nYeA&index=2

Understanding the Business Environment

In addition to understanding how a business influences the environment in which it operates, it is critical to understand how that environment influences the stability and success of a business. The outside business climate includes financial, political, regulatory, social, and other environmental factors that can have a significant impact on how a business operates and engages with its customers and stakeholders. Remaining aware of the ever-changing needs and influences of society is critical for business leaders so that they can remain competitive in the market while also advancing the organization’s strategic initiatives.

· Duro, K. (2018, March 26).  The effects of social environment on business  Links to an external site. . Imperium Apps. https://imperiumapps.com/the-effects-of-social-environment-on-business/

· Edumecate. (2020, March 6).  Social influences on business (external influences on businesses)  Links to an external site.  [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsozC-25hEw

· Gitman, L. J., McDaniel, C., Shah, A., Reece, M., Koffel, L., Talsma, B., & Hyatt, J. C. (2018).  1.2 understanding the business environmentLinks to an external site. . In  Introduction to business . OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/introduction-business/pages/1-2-understanding-the-business-environment

· Harary, M. (2021, July 1).  How companies can lead the way for Generation ZLinks to an external site. .  Forbes . https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/07/01/how-companies-can-lead-the-way-for-generation-z/?sh=f2ea27740973

· Unruh, G., & Bach, D. (2021).  The politics of business: A playbook emergesLinks to an external site. .  Rotman Management , 48–53.

· Young, D. (2021, June 28).  How environmental, social, and governance reporting grew up  Links to an external site. . strategy+business. https://www.strategy-business.com/article/How-environmental-social-and-governance-reporting-grew-up?utm_source=itw&utm_medium=itw20210701&utm_campaign=resp

Week 1 Learning Resources

Capstone

What Organizational Culture Is

When you think of organizational culture, what comes to mind? Simply put, organizational culture refers to a company’s mission, objectives, expectations, and values that guide business practices and employee behaviors. Using these resources, you will consider what organizational culture is and will begin using these ideas—as well as others you have examined throughout this program—to analyze the organizational culture of the organization that you selected to be the focus of your playbook.

· Cheng, J. Y-J., & Groysberg, B. (2021, June 18).  Research: What inclusive companies have in common .  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 1–7. http://hbr.org

· Dillard, S. R. (2021, April 19).  How inclusive is your leadership?  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 1–8. http://hbr.org Time Estimate: 6 minutes

· GreggU. (2019, November 18).  Organizational cultureLinks to an external site.  [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6Y61qshVv8 Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 14 minutes.

· Kegan, R., Lahey, L., & Fleming, A. (2014, January 22).  Does your company make you a better person?  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 2–4. http://hbr.org

· Greene, J. R. (2022).  Boards can accelerate business performance by fully engaging on organizational cultureLinks to an external site. .  Board Leadership, 2022(181), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1002/bl.30215

· Traphagan, J. (2017, January 6).  We’re thinking about organizational culture all wrong .  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 2–4. http://hbr.org

Benefits and Challenges of Organizational Culture

Businesses with a well-established organizational culture tend to be more successful because they have operational systems in place that not only support employee performance, productivity, and engagement, but also promote the mission, objectives, expectations, and values of the organization. There is a clear sense of purpose, whereby employees not only understand the organization’s goals but can also feel more connected to those goals and to one another. On the other hand, the culture of an organization can present challenges to the strategic success of a business as well. Through these resources, you will consider the benefits and challenges of organizational culture.

· Furst, P. (2021, May 12).  Organizational culture drives (safety) performance.  Occupational Health & Safety.Links to an external site.  https://ohsonline.com/articles/2021/05/12/organizational-culture-drives-safety-performance.aspx

· Herrity, J. (2022. October 31).  Corporate culture examples and benefits Links to an external site. . Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/corporate-culture-examples-benefits

· PwC. (2021).  Global culture survey 2021:  The link between culture and competitive advantageLinks to an external site. . https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/upskilling/global-culture-survey-2020/pwc-global-culture-survey-2021.pdf

Incorporating Culture into Strategy and Business Practices

Not only can a strong, well-defined organizational culture support employee engagement and even improve retention, but that culture can be used as part of a business’s strategy. As you consider the culture and business practices of the company that you selected to feature in your strategy playbook, also begin to think about how those elements could serve as a strategic advantage for that company. Or, if there are adjustments that may need to be made, consider how doing so can promote the organization’s success into the future.

· Bartone, P. T., & Stein, S. J. (2020, March 9).  Build “hardiness” into your organizational culture .  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 2–4. http://hbr.org

· Gafni, N. (2021, July 1).  Do your DE&I efforts consider age, class, and lived experience?  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 1–9. http://hbr.org

· Grant, A. (2021, February 3).  Building a culture of learning at workLinks to an external site. . strategy+business. https://www.strategy-business.com/article/Building-a-culture-of-learning-at-work?utm_source=itw&utm_medium=itw20210701&utm_campaign=resp

· Groysberg, B., Lee, J., Price, J., & Cheng, J. Y.  (2018, January–February).  The leader’s guide to corporate culture .  Harvard Business Review,  96(1), 44–52.

· Yohn, D. L. (2019, December 17).  Build a culture to match your brand .  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 2–6. http://hbr.org

· Yohn, D. L. (2018, October 2).  6 ways to build a customer-centric culture .  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 2–5. http://hbr.org

· Yohn, D. L. (2021, February 8).  Company culture is everyone’s responsibility .  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 1–8. http://hbr.org

Important Documents for the Week

· Document:  MBAX 6990 Assignment Template (Word document) Download MBAX 6990 Assignment Template (Word document)

· GoSkills.com (2023, June 26).  How to create a table of contents in Microsoft 365 | Microsoft Word 365 - Basic & Advanced CourseLinks to an external site.  [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-1vBwJvvzI

· ITsEasyTraining1st. (2023, January 1).  How to add a bibliography entry into a Microsoft Word document Links to an external site.  [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXPGQB4PD3o