The organizational culture of higher education institutions was analyzed using a survey. The results showed that behavioral norms associated with passive/defensive and aggressive/defensive cultures were overrepresented, while constructive norms were underrepresented compared to an ideal profile. This indicates a focus on tasks over people and lower-order needs over higher-order needs. Gaps between current and ideal profiles were identified to help target areas for cultural change in higher education institutions.
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Organizational Culture in Higher Ed
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Organizational Culture in Higher Education
Abstract
Zeine1, 3, R., Boglarsky2, C.A., Blessinger3, P., and Hamlet1, M.T.
1Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry College of New York,
2Human Synergistics, Inc., 3Higher Education Teaching and Learning Association
The organizational culture of academic higher educational institutions was analyzed using the Human Synergistics International (HSI) Organizational Culture Inventory® (OCI®) Survey. Cultural norms characteristic of Passive/Defensive and Aggressive/Defensive behavioral styles were overrepresented, while those characteristic of Constructive styles were underrepresented, as compared to Ideal profiles. The results reflect predominance of task-centered over people-centered organizational orientations and of lower-order (security) over higher-order (satisfaction) needs. Both current and ideal profiles were derived from the responses of higher education faculty and administrators who are active at non-profit or for-profit organizations worldwide. Targets for cultural change were identified, and recommendations were developed to assist higher education institutions approach their ideal organizational cultures.
ZEINE, R., Boglarsky, C.A., Blessinger, P., and Hamlet, M.T. (2011). Organizational Culture in Higher Education. Chapter 3 in Kazeroony, H. (Ed.), The Strategic Management of Higher Education Institutions: Serving Students as Customers for Institutional Growth. Business Expert Press, LLC, New York, NY, USA.
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Introduction
Organizational Culture in Higher Educational Institutions (HEds.) can be examined with regards to behavioral norms that have been extensively studied in the context of guiding organizational change in the corporate world. HEds are social sector organizations that differ in purpose and performance measures from business corporations (Stilwell, 2003; Collins, 2005). Because the purpose of social sector organizations is to meet social objectives, human needs and national/global priorities, the people affiliated with them are ambitious first and foremost for the causes, the movements, the missions, the work ‒ not themselves ‒ and they have the will to do whatever it takes to make good on that ambition (Collins, 2005, pp.19,11). HEds can be viewed as service providers fulfilling diverse customer needs (Akinyele, 2010; Soars, 2009; Watjatrakul, 2009). More complex dimensions apply in HEds because students can be viewed as products, customers, coworkers and laborers simultaneously (Obermiller et al. 2005; Halbesleben et al. 2003; Pitman, 2000). Ideally, a culture of selflessness and excellence would be expected throughout the range of HEds, including those that rely heavily on business revenue streams such as medical centers and for- profit colleges (Collins, 2005, pp. 20-21; Schnier, 2004; Soars, 2009; Bennett Clark, 2011). Because financial incentives are weak in non-profit organizations, their ability to generate funds to support their non-business activities depends on effectively tapping into the idealistic passions of their deeply committed members and benefactors (Collins, 2005, pp.16-18). In this chapter, we analyze the currently prevailing organizational culture and compare it to the ideal cultural profile for HEds as measured by the
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Table 1. Descriptions of the Twelve Styles Measured by the
Organizational Culture Inventory®
(and Sample Items)
Constructive Cultures encourage members to interact with people and approach tasks in ways that will help them to meet their higher-order satisfaction needs for affiliation, esteem and self-actualization:
(11:00) An Achievement culture characterizes organizations that do things well and
value members who set and accomplish their own goals. Members are expected to set challenging but realistic goals, establish plans to reach these goals, and pursue them with enthusiasm. (Pursue a standard of excellence; Openly show enthusiasm). Achievement organizations are effective; problems are solved appropriately, clients and customers are served well, and the orientation of members, as well as the organization itself, is healthy.
(12:00) A Self-Actualizing culture characterizes organizations that value creativity,
quality over quantity, and both task accomplishment and individual growth. Members are encouraged to gain enjoyment from their work, develop themselves, and take on new and interesting activities. (Think in unique and independent ways; Do even simple tasks well). While self-actualizing organizations can be somewhat difficult to understand and control, they tend to be innovative, offer high-quality products and/or services, and attract and develop outstanding employees.
(1:00) A Humanistic-Encouraging culture characterizes organizations that are
managed in a participative and person-centered way. Members are expected to be supportive, constructive and open to influence in their dealings with one
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another. (Help others to grow and develop; Take time with people). A humanistic culture leads to effective organizational performance by providing for the growth and active involvement of members who, in turn, report high satisfaction with and commitment to the organization.
(2:00) An Affiliative culture characterizes organizations that place a high priority on
constructive interpersonal relationships. Members are expected to be friendly, open, and sensitive to the satisfaction of their work group. (Deal with others in a friendly, pleasant way; share feelings and thoughts). An Affiliative culture can enhance organizational performance by promoting open communication, good cooperation, and the effective coordination of activities. Members are loyal to their work groups and feel they “fit in” comfortably.
Passive/Defensive Cultures are those in which members believe they must interact with people in ways that will not threaten their own security:
(3:00) An Approval culture describes organizations in which conflicts are avoided and
interpersonal relationships are pleasant – at least superficially. Members feel that they should agree with, gain the approval of, and be liked by others. (Go along with others; Be liked by everyone). This work environment can potentially limit organizational effectiveness by minimizing constructive “differing”, and inhibiting the expression of ideas and opinions.
(4:00) A Conventional culture is descriptive of organizations that are conservative,
traditional, and bureaucratically controlled. Members are expected to conform, follow the rules, and make a good impression. (Always follow policies; Fit into the
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“mold”). Too conventional a culture can interfere with effectiveness by suppressing innovation and preventing the organization from adapting to changes in its environment.
(5:00) A Dependent culture is descriptive of organizations that are hierarchically
controlled, non-participative and do not empower their members. Centralized decision making in such organizations leads members to do only what they are told and to clear all decisions with superiors. (Please those in positions of authority; Do what is expected). Poor performance results from the lack of individual initiative, spontaneity, flexibility, and timely decision making.
(6:00) An Avoidance culture characterizes organizations that fail to reward success but
nevertheless punish mistakes. This negative reward system leads members to shift responsibilities to others and avoid any possibility of being blamed for a mistake. (Wait for others to act first; Take few chances). The survival of this type of organization is in question since members are unwilling to make decisions, take action, or accept risks.
Aggressive/Defensive Cultures expect members to approach tasks in forceful ways to protect their status and security:
(7:00) An Oppositional culture describes organizations in which confrontation prevails
and negativism is rewarded. Members gain status and influence by being critical and thus are reinforced to oppose the ideas of others (Point out flaws; Be hard to impress), and to make safe (but ineffectual) decisions. While some questioning is functional, a highly oppositional culture can lead to unnecessary conflict, poor
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In higher education, teaching hospitals can also be identified as “high reliability” organizations due to the “life and death” nature of healthcare services. Some institutions, such as the Military and nuclear power plants, are considered “high reliability” organizations requiring very high fidelity to a chain of command, and strict adherence to protocols (Szumal, 2003). Although behavioral norms from the Aggressive/Defensive and Passive/Defensive clusters may be highly represented, studies have shown that Constructive norms are desired and important for the success of such organizations because they help people to understand the reasons why orders need to be followed, and the benefits of faithfully implementing best practices in performing critical duties (Reigle, 2001).
Methods
Participants from Higher Education Institutions completed Human Synergistics OCI and OCI-Ideal surveys (web-based version). The OCI measures the behavioral norms and expectations members understand are expected of them to “fit in” and meet expectations in their current position at their organization or the current state. It also measures outcomes associated with organizational culture (e.g., intention to stay, satisfaction and customer service orientation) that provide insights into the need for cultural change (Cooke & Lafferty, 2003). A parallel form of the inventory, the OCI- Ideal, asks the members to indicate the extent to which the behavioral norms and expectations should be expected in order to maximize their organization’s effectiveness. The results of the OCI-Ideal is the desired state and can be seen as a cultural benchmark.
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Respondents’ OCI and OCI-Ideal unadjusted (or “raw”) scores were pooled and converted to percentile scores which were plotted on an OCI Circumplex shown in Figure 1. The OCI circumplex compares respondents’ organization’s scores along the twelve cultural norms to the scores of 921 organizational subunits (e.g., departments and divisions of other organizations). The bold center ring on the circumplex represents the 50th percentile. In general, scores falling below the 50th percentile are low relative to other organizations and scores that fall above the 50th percentile are high relative to other organizations (Cooke, 2011).
Norms that reflect expectations for people-oriented behaviors are located on the right side of the Circumplex, while task-oriented norms are on the left side. The norms toward the top reflect expectations for behaviors that are directed toward higher-order needs for satisfaction, and those toward the bottom reflect expectations that focus on meeting lower-order needs for security (Fig. 1) (Cooke & Szumal, 2000). By analyzing the gaps or discrepancies between the current and ideal culture profiles, the behavioral norms where there is the greatest need for change can be identified. These gaps were calculated by subtracting the ideal from the current percentile scores. Undesirable gap values were negative for Constructive norms (too low), and positive for Passive/Defensive and Aggressive/Defensive norms (too high) (Szumal, 2003).
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organizations ranged from less than 6 months to more than 15 years.
Table 2. Demographics of Respondents
Demographic OCI Current OCI Ideal
(n=63)
(n=33)
Age
30 - 39
10%
6%
40 - 49
35%
24%
50 - 59
30%
36%
60 or over
17%
30%
nd*
8%
3%
Gender
Female
43%
45%
Male
52%
55%
nd*
5%
-
Years with Organization
Less than 6 months
5%
6%
6 months to 1 year
3%
0%
1 to 2 years
16%
18%
2 to 4 years
17%
24%
4 to 6 years
6%
9%
6 to 10 years
13%
18%
10 to 15 years
13%
9%
More than 15 years
22%
15%
nd*
5%
-
Organization Level
Faculty/Professor
40%
45%
Director
24%
12%
Department Chair
6%
6%
Associate. Dean
6%
6%
Dean
11%
9%
Provost/Dean Academic Affairs
2%
3%
nd*
11%
18%
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Table 2. Demographics of Respondents (continued)
Demographic OCI Current OCI Ideal
(n=63)
(n=33)
Education
Bachelor’s degree
2%
3%
Master’s degree
21%
15%
Doctorate degree
52%
58%
MD
2%
3%
MD/PhD
19%
18%
Other
2%
-
nd*
3%
3%
Institutional Type
For-profit, Public
17%
12%
For- profit, Private
21%
24%
Not-for-profit, Public
38%
33%
Not-for-profit, Private
16%
18%
nd*
8%
12%
Institutional Level
Associate's College
3%
3%
Bachelor's College
6%
6%
Master's College/University
35%
36%
Doctorate-granting University
46%
48%
Special Focus Institution
2%
-
nd*
8%
6%
*not determined
Differences Between Current and Ideal HEds Organizational Culture Profiles
Undesirable gaps in percentile scores between Current (Fig. 2 Left) and Ideal (Fig. 2 Right) were found in all twelve styles on the HEds OCI profiles (Table 3). Extensions of the Constructive styles fell below the 73rd percentile in the current profile while rising above the 92nd percentile in the ideal (Table 3). Passive/Defensive styles
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Defensive styles. The Constructive cluster extensions were similar in Non-Profit and For-Profit HEds (Fig. 3 Upper Left vs. Lower Left, and Upper Right vs. Lower Right).
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Implications of the cultural gaps on outcomes
People at HEds experience both the negative and positive consequences of their organization’s cultures. Comments from 35 respondents offered insightful suggestions for effecting change in higher education (Human Synergistics Inc., 2011, April), calling for “systematic changes starting with mission/vision, hiring and reward systems”. One wrote: “Make everyone in the pipeline at educational institutions better educated in best-practices, more accountable for their outcomes and for meeting targets; and hold a higher standard for quality teaching and for grading students”. Others echoed: “Emphasize independent, critical thinking, and place greater responsibility for adaptive learning on the student”, “Communicate initiatives timely and thoroughly”. The participants’ comments were harmonious and can be summed up as a call to promote “systems and processes that support: good governance; understanding stakeholders’ needs; strong culture of continuous improvement; organizational culture that values and respects individuals and promotes their learning and professional development; strong data-driven planning; organizational agility; integrity in word and deeds”.
Quantitative analysis of the organizational outcomes revealed desirable gaps in several areas and undesirable gaps in others. Intention to stay, personal customer service, satisfaction and personally recommending the HEd as a good place to work all fell well above the historical average; while organizational customer service, role clarity and role conflict fell well below the historical average.
Both the qualitative and quantitative cultural outcome measures indicate a need for changes in structures, systems, technologies, and skills/qualities of the HEds. Respondents urged, “Focus on students and their needs. Ask yourself, how can
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creating a great experience (learning and otherwise) make the student grow more? How does that student's experience help our institution grow and become better?” Some were concerned that “Higher education is no longer about the students, but about the business…” (Human Synergistics Inc., 2011, April). These comments highlight the importance for HEds to become more service oriented. Low scores along service quality measures indicate the need for the establishment of service-oriented procedures and norms, evaluation and possible re-engineering of core processes, customer-service training, and the revision of reward systems (to reinforce goal attainment) (Szumal, 2003).
Recommendations
Recommendations for Leading Cultural Change
We recommend that both for-profit and non-profit HEds implement strategies used by organizational leaders seeking to effect change (Blanchard, 1997 and Reigle 2001):
1) Use belief systems (vision, mission, core values) and performance measures to strike an effective balance between creativity and control. Become living symbols of the newly minted organizational culture and assist executives to fulfill this requirement by providing training and appropriate feedback systems.
2) Plan for, create and celebrate progress and work accomplishments.
3) Enlist people who are highly talented, intelligent, energetic, tenacious, and who are committed to placing the interests of the organization above their own self-interests.
4) Empower change enthusiasts with communication and consultation skills.
5) Establish effective conflict resolution processes.
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6) Convey a sense of urgency by increasing awareness of the need for change.
7) Identify, replace or eliminate rules and policies (i.e. compensation, performance- appraisal systems, organizational priorities) that are incompatible with the new vision. Implement open-door policy.
8) Ensure inclusive involvement and participation in shaping the transformative process.
9) Build trust by disseminating information to people in all roles and at all levels throughout the organization.
10) Inspire imagination and creativity by safeguarding freedoms, encouraging risk- taking and protecting research time.
11) Search constantly for newer and better ways to do everything.
12) Developing a shared vision and ensuring congruency of action.
13) Supporting one another and working with others. Encourage open-mindedness, innovation and problem-solving.
Recommendations for Adopting and Adapting High Performance Practices
We recommend that both for-profit and non-profit Higher Education Institutions adopt Pfeffer’s (1998) seven practices of high performing corporations to their business and administrative divisions, while developing corresponding alternatives for their academic divisions:
1) Employment security, or employment opportunity alternatives (externships, internships, work-study, career development and placement services)
2) Selective hiring, or selective admission alternatives
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3) Self-managed teams and decentralization of decision making, or participative cultural alternatives (feedback, communication, consultation)
4) Comparatively high compensation contingent on organizational performance, or academic support alternatives (grants, fellowships, scholarships)
5) Extensive training including leadership, management and communication skills
6) Reduced status distinctions and barriers
7) Extensive sharing of financial and performance information throughout the organization
Recommendations for Reducing Defensive Cultural Styles and Promoting a Constructive Organizational Culture:
Unresolved conflicts, de-motivation, work avoidance and high turnover are consequences of Passive/Defensive organizational cultures where conflicts are primarily resolved by either accommodation or withdrawal (Szumal, 2003). Insecurity, disempowerment, disrespect, and punishment characterize Aggressive/Defensive cultures as they value confrontation, criticism, coercion and overconfidence (Szumal, 2003). By contrast, flexibility, consultation, knowledge, reason and coordination are features of Constructive organizational cultures as they encourage communication, sharing and cooperation with others (Szumal, 2003).
We recommend that both for-profit and non-profit Higher Education Institutions adopt the Human Synergistics International recommendations to cultivate Constructive norms within organizations at the member, unit and organizational levels:
1) Ensure that all members are given the opportunity to work to their full potential
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2) Balance expectations for taking initiative and thinking independently with those for consensus and power sharing
3) Expect participation without domination
4) Elicit unique perspectives and concerns while working towards agreement
5) Value quality over quantity
6) Value creativity over conformity
7) Judge effectiveness at the system level rather than the component level
8) Practice empowerment and transformational leadership which are prescriptive (guide and direct) rather than restrictive (constrain and prohibit) practices
9) Adopt approaches for continuous, system-wide, improvements including problem solving, strategic planning, innovation, and benchmarking
10) Inspire innovation by allowing people to express themselves, experiment and learn from mistakes
11) Increase accomplishments by encouraging people to set challenging goals, and by providing them with necessary resources
12) Cultivate mentors by investing in training and development, and by providing opportunities for expansion
13) Enhance cooperation by letting people communicate, get to know one another, contribute and share ideas
14) Inculcate humanistic values of mutual encouragement and support
15) Develop organizational mechanisms to collect and respond to feedback, implement good suggestions
16) Remember that education institutions are “Learning Organizations” which
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emphasize creativity, individual development and systems thinking
17) Treat all members of the organization with respect and dignity
18) Provide equitable pathways for advancement (or alternative opportunities for placement elsewhere)
Conclusion
This chapter profiles organizational culture in Higher Education Institutions. Twelve cultural styles are analyzed, and differences between current and ideal behavioral norms are identified as targets for organizational change in Non-Profit and For-Profit colleges and universities. Recommendations are presented to assist professionals in their efforts to implement strategies that would reduce the intensity of eight Defensive patterns and promote four prescribed Constructive cultural styles. Further studies are warranted to examine subgroup and sub divisional cultures within educational institutions.
Acknowledgements
We thank all the distinguished respondents for their participation and input. We are grateful to Sarah Peterson of Human Synergistics, Inc. for expert assistance.
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