NAME: Ruth Ann S. Basnillo                                                                                                                   7/9/2008

SECTION: O0A

BOOK: Systems Analysis and Design Sixth Edition

AUTHORS: Kenneth Kendall

                     Julie Kendall

REFERENCE NO.: QA 76.9 S88 K45 2005

QUOTE: “Subcultures coexist within “official” organizational culture.”

REVIEW:

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

            Organizational Culture is an established area of research that exists within the organization or the so called internal organization. Organizations, meanwhile, are appropriately viewed as hosts to multiple and often competing subcultures. Organizational culture and subcultures are important determinants of how people use information and information systems. By grounding information system in the context of the organization as a larger system, it is possible to realize that numerous factors are important and should be taken into account when ascertaining information requirements and designing and implementing the information system.

The researchable determinants of subcultures are shared verbal and nonverbal symbolism. Verbal symbolism includes shared language used to construct, convey, and preserve subcultural myths, metaphors, visions, and humor. Nonverbal symbolism, meanwhile, includes shared artifacts, rites, ceremonies; clothing of decision makers and workers; the use, placement, and decoration of offices; and rituals for celebrating members birthdays, promotions, and retirements.

Subcultures coexist within the official organizational cultures and some of the officially sanctioned culture may prescribe a dress code, suitable ways to address supervisors and coworkers, and proper ways to deal with the outside public.

            Organizational members may belong to one or more subcultures in the organization and the subcultures where they belong may exert a powerful influence on their behavior.

It would be very helpful for a systems analyst to understand and recognize predominant organizational subcultures to easily adapt to changes arising when new information systems are installed. Identifying subcultures may also help in the design of decision support system made for interaction with specific user groups.