Organizational Culture

This blog update is less inspired thoughts and abstract connections, but rather more an organization of observations and experiences within my current organization.  The following bullets are elements of an organization's culture.  My observations and experiences are documented after each bullet.

Stated and unstated values.

• Stated:  "The Power of One: let it begin with me" vision statement.  P is prepare for graduation.  O is open minds and think critically, W is work to improve our school and community, E is effectively communicate, and R is respect. With the above poster posted in each classroom, we do not talk about or connect this vision within staff or department meeting.  Staff meetings are focussed on pacing calendars, objectives, adherence to curriculum, increasing reading and writing literacy and mathematics, and checking for student understanding. No electronic devices allowed during class time.
• Unstated:  .Athletics and electives are at least equally as important as core academics.  Electronics can be used educationally by modern teachers.  Teach to the CST, then have fun after the end of April.  Counselors believe GPA should be higher so kids can get into college, teachers believe GPA should reflect student understanding and/or work.  In the midst of economic reduction, teachers and the union want cuts to not affect teachers.  Classified union (support staff) should focus more on supporting students and teachers and less on self.  They exist because of the students, not vice versa.

Overt and implicit expectations for member behavior.

• Overt: Gang paraphanalia "hidden" from teachers (they change it up often so we teachers can't keep up, but they know what means what).  Only certain teachers enforce B's being covered (I, as a male teacher, won't tell a female student to cover her breasts).  Better to be there and late than not there at all.  Work together, help each other out.  Teammates help teammates make grades, even if it means allowing teammate to copy.  Do work to get the grade, not to necessarily learn or understand material. Take AP classes to get higher GPA but not interested in doing AP level work, then complain as an entire class so administration and parents claim course is too hard.
• Implicit:  Students may not wear gang paraphanalia.  Keep the B's covered (butt, belly, and boobs).  Be on time. Practice homework at end of period and at home.  Do your own work.  English instruction only (except foreign language classes).  Learn for the purpose of passing an exam. Take necessary courses for credit to graduate from high school and be on track for UC/CSU college acceptance.

(to be continued later)

Customs and rituals.

Stories and myths about the history of the group.

Shop talk—typical language used in and about the group.

Climate—the feelings evoked by the way members interact with each other, with outsiders, and with their environment, including the physical space they occupy.

Metaphors and symbols—may be unconscious but can be found embodied in other cultural elements.