Dimensions of Culture, Values, and Communication Paper

Dimensions of Culture, Values, and Communication Paper

Abstract

In the abstract, summarize what you learned by completing the Dimensions of Culture, Values, and Communication Paper

Dimensions of Culture, Values, and Communication Paper

Introduction

Culture and values play an important role in today’s work environment. It is a living and breathing element that transforms human behavior in the workplace. The dominant altitudes, values, and beliefs shape or motivate behavior (UOP, 2003).

There was a time, in my current workplace environment, when I was part of an upcoming management team in the Information Technology Department for a major computer manufacturer. It was part of our company’s workplace norm to promote individuality of each employee. The company conducted business with integrity and respect. The business decisions made by their management team were highly respected and supported among the whole IT organization. It was also their culture to foster positive work relationships and take customer satisfaction personally.

It is essential that we first distinguish the difference between a “manager” and “leader.” It is important that these concepts are understood because there are many situations where managers have been mistaken for leaders and placed in positions in which they are unable to function and perform, thus frustrating the organization and its’ objectives.

This difference can be expressed in the saying, “There are four types of people in the world; those who watch things happen, those who let things happen, those who ask what happened and those who make things happen.” Leaders are those who make things happen. Managers are in the other groups. Leaders are those who master the context, managers are those who surrender to it. All leaders were managers on their way to leadership. It is the natural path of progression. However, not all managers become leaders.

When people from different cultures come together there is often misunderstanding and conflict caused by these differences (UOP, 2003). One culture may emphasize