An analysis of the Culture of an organization - Essay Example

Hofstede’s theoretical framework Hofstede’s cultural framework focuses on the effects of the national culture on the organizational culture. The theoretical framework is explained using the five dimensions in relation to national work related values. The dimensions encompass the “power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term verses short-term perspective” (Boonghee, Donthu, & Lenartowicz, 2011). According to the power distance concept, small power distance cultures prefer consultative and democratic power relations while large power distance cultures like the one in UK prefer non-democratic power relations.

It is worth stating that Ben and Jerry exude a distinct relationship amidst the personnel and management. For example, the organization appreciates the need for a traditional, homemade approach to operations (Data Monitor, 2004). This means that people at the lower ranks acknowledge powers of others according to their higher formal and hierarchical position (Orr & Hauser, 2008). The individualism verses collectivism concept explains how much the cultural members perceive themselves apart from being members of the group.

It is clear that the company supports the community. Additionally, it values its association with employees, and other stakeholders. This has significantly contributed to its progress within the societal set-up. This has allowed the organization to attract diverse persons. Data Monitor (2004) indicates that the product was made with love and care. This allows it to attract varied participants in the market. Analysis of Ben and Jerry highlights a mixture of the diverse roles within an organization.

However, masculinity verses femininity concept explains the value given to males and females traditionally, the Ben and Jerry seems to have dynamic roles for both genders. In masculine culture, people value competitiveness and acquisition of wealth regardless of gender. However, the femininity culture value relationships and life quality. These two concepts appear to have found a balance at Ben and Jerry. (Xiumei & Jinying, 2011). For example, the pictures presented by Data Monitor (2004) accords women and men similar advertising space.

For example, men highlight the wrestling match while the community outreach is a preserve of the women. Indeed, this clear depicts the gender roles at the company. The uncertainty avoidance dimension explains how the cultural members address potential risks. For example, the company houses unconventional and non-conformist persons. However, this has changed to embrace changes and address risks. The stakeholders are not trying to behave according to the expectation of the society leaders. Data Monitor (2004) indicates that it focuses on mainstream, and shuns mass marketing that target on benefiting several persons.

In organizations with such cultures, employees are devoted to their employers. Cultures that exude diminished levels of uncertainty avoidance have embedded and flexible rules. In organizations with this culture, employees tend change their employers frequently (Shah, 2012). The long-term verses short-term explains the society’s attachment to its present and to its past. In the societies that are long-term oriented, individuals focus on the activities that affect the society’s future. For example, Ben and Jerry shifted from being unconventional to addressing varied needs making