Organizational Culture in Action

Offering students and practitioners an applied approach to the subject, Organizational Culture in Action (OCA) walks them through a six-step model for analyzing an organization’s culture. The application of the model provides insight into positive communication practices to improve organizational ethics and effectiveness. The authors review relevant theory while integrating a constitutive approach to studying organizational culture and communication. Practical guides for multiple data collection methods are provided, and the workbook format is full of interactive tools that engage students and reinforce learning.

Based on feedback from professionals, students, and colleagues, the 4th edition includes the following substantive developments:

• Development and integration of the Model for Positive Communication by engaging Dr. Julien Mirivel, co-founder of the Positive Communication Network, as a co-author.
• A clear commitment and focus on the role and goal of the OCA in fostering the co-creation of positive organizations by developing implications through the analysis of enacted elements that both shape and are shaped by communication
• An improved applied focus by stating "Mental Shifts in Chapter 1,” that are carried throughout the book
• All chapters updated with recent literature and case studies.
• The latest applied research is integrated in units on diversity, change, leadership, and effectiveness in relation to positive organizational communication.
• Cases, examples, and applications relevant to crisis, Generative AI, employee engagement, virtual organizations, conflict management, and public relations are provided.
• Pedagogical guides to aid in qualitative analysis and ways to utilize research literature in the final report.
• Clarification of cultural analysis used throughout the book by: a) reformatting Chapter one with an inclusion of a visual of the model, b) revising wording of the six steps in the model.
• Colleagues and alumni serving guiding the development of cases and review of positive practices in chapters on diversity and change.
• Online resources including guides for auto-ethnography and coding.

Professionals come away equipped to apply cultural insights into fostering inclusiveness in relation to diversity, supporting organizational change, making leadership more dynamic, understanding the link between ethics and culture, and achieving personal and professional growth.