The Culture and Social Structure of an Organization - Essay Example

This also includes the informal and formal norms, interactions, and structure. This paper will be a sociological assessment of the culture and social structure of an organization. The organization is a school’s basketball team. The paper will look at the culture of the basketball team, socialization in the basketball team, the social structure of the basketball team, and the formal versus informal norms, structure, and interactions in the basketball team. Culture The basketball team has a number of norms which govern it.

One, members of the team are regarded as coworkers. All team members are the same. Each and every opinion aired by the team members will be carefully considered. Two, team members will practice sound communication. Team members are expected to speak respectfully to one another and appreciate everyone’s contribution. The final norm incorporates decision making, conflict resolution, and problem solving. Team members make decisions through consensus, but the rule of the majority prevails if there is no consensus.

Also, conflicts are directly tackled with the individual in disagreement (Wallerstein 31). Members of the basketball team also consent to a number of values. First, members of the team should have strong ties to their families. . Finally, it requires unity and team work. It requires unity so as to advance and be victorious (Wallerstein 42). The basketball team’s symbols include a basket ball and hands attached, as a sign of unity. Basketball is no longer perceived to be a plain universal sport, but it is also considered a unifying component whose desirable qualities can make a significant addition to society.

The team uses the power of basketball as a device for human and social development, by supporting the activities of numerous projects in the local community to offer support to the society in the areas of social integration, peace building, education, health, among others. The team also uses basketball to encourage solidarity, without regard to culture, gender, religion, or ethnic background (Wallerstein 53). Socialization There are a number of ways in which new members are socialized into the basketball team.

One, basketball trials are held in the school’s gymnasium at the start of every academic year to chose new team members. People who are successful during the trials join the team and start to be taught the ideologies, customs, and norms of the team. Two, the new team members become socialized by learning the actions, values, and attitudes necessary for people as members of the basketball team. This is largely influenced by the coach and the team captain. Three, new members also learn to behave in a way that is fitting for the basketball team.

The basketball team requires a different behavior from the class or home, and the new team members are required to act according to the rules of the basketball team. Four, the new team members also become socialized through learning about the basketball team, its