Edgar Schein

Definition

Edgar Schein is a prominent organizational psychologist known for his work on organizational culture and change management. His theories emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying cultural dynamics that influence how organizations operate, especially during times of change. Schein's models provide valuable insights into how leaders can effectively manage cultural adaptation in organizations, fostering an environment that embraces change rather than resisting it.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Schein introduced the concept of 'levels of culture,' which includes artifacts, espoused values, and basic underlying assumptions that shape an organization's identity.
2. He highlighted the role of leaders in shaping and changing organizational culture, emphasizing that effective leadership is crucial during transitions.
3. Schein's model suggests that understanding the current culture is vital for successful change management, as it helps identify potential resistance points.
4. He identified three main types of organizational culture: dominant culture, subcultures, and countercultures, each influencing change processes differently.
5. Schein emphasized that cultural change often requires a deep understanding of an organization’s history and values to implement effective strategies.

Review Questions

• How does Edgar Schein's model differentiate between the various levels of culture within an organization?
  • Edgar Schein's model categorizes organizational culture into three levels: artifacts, espoused values, and basic underlying assumptions. Artifacts are the visible elements like dress code or office layout. Espoused values include stated norms and goals that guide behavior, while basic underlying assumptions are the deeply embedded beliefs that drive behavior within the organization. Understanding these levels is crucial for leaders aiming to manage change effectively since each level can significantly influence employee responses during transitions.
• In what ways do Edgar Schein's insights into leadership impact the process of cultural adaptation during organizational change?
  • Edgar Schein underscores the critical role that leaders play in shaping organizational culture and facilitating change. Leaders must be aware of the existing cultural dynamics and how they affect employee attitudes towards change. By communicating effectively and aligning change initiatives with core cultural values, leaders can minimize resistance and foster an environment where employees feel supported. This alignment helps create a sense of ownership among employees, making cultural adaptation more successful.
• Evaluate how Edgar Schein's concepts can be applied to improve change management strategies in a diverse workplace setting.
  • Edgar Schein's concepts can be pivotal in enhancing change management strategies by promoting an inclusive understanding of diverse cultural perspectives within a workplace. By recognizing subcultures and countercultures that exist alongside the dominant culture, organizations can tailor their change initiatives to resonate with different employee groups. This evaluation encourages dialogue among diverse teams about shared values and goals, ultimately leading to more effective communication, collaboration, and a higher likelihood of successful adaptation during periods of change.

Related terms

Organizational Culture: The shared values, beliefs, and practices that shape how members of an organization interact and work together.

Change Management: The systematic approach to dealing with change, both from the perspective of an organization and the individual, focusing on strategies to help manage transitions.

Cultural Dimensions Theory:

A framework developed by Geert Hofstede that analyzes the effects of a society's culture on the values of its members and how these values relate to behavior in a business context.