The Cultural Web Model: A Framework for Understanding and Shaping Organizational Culture

An organization’s success is often a byproduct of its corporate culture. Therefore, it is beneficial for organizations to analyze and understand their culture to foster a positive and productive work environment. The cultural web model, developed by Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes, is a valuable tool for understanding and shaping organizational culture. This article explores the cultural web model, its key elements, and its application in developing a strong and effective corporate culture.

Key Elements of the Cultural Web Model

The cultural web model consists of six interconnected elements that shape an organization’s culture:

Stories

Stories are the collective memories and narratives of an organization that reflect its history, values, and beliefs. They are often passed down through word of mouth and can be a powerful force in shaping employee behavior and attitudes.

Rituals and Routines

Rituals and routines are the behaviors and actions that are considered acceptable and expected within the organization. They can include daily routines, social events, and celebrations. These rituals and routines help create a sense of community and belonging among employees and reinforce the organization’s values and beliefs.

Symbols

Symbols are visual representations of the organization’s culture, such as logos, mission statements, and slogans. They help create a sense of identity and reinforce the organization’s values and beliefs. Symbols can have a significant impact on employee behavior and can be used to communicate the organization’s culture to both internal and external stakeholders.

Organization Structures

The organization structure encompasses both the written and unwritten influences within the organization. It includes the formal organizational chart as well as the informal power dynamics and relationships. The structure can influence employee behavior and communication patterns and can impact the organization’s ability to adapt to change.

Control Systems

Control systems refer to how control is exerted within the organization, including performance management, financial systems, and quality control. They influence employee behavior and performance and can be used to monitor and evaluate the organization’s progress towards its goals.

Power Structures

Power structures represent the distribution of power and influence within the organization. It includes individuals, groups, or departments that hold significant decision-making power and influence the strategic direction of the organization. Power structures can impact employee motivation, job satisfaction, and organizational effectiveness.

Using the Cultural Web Model

The cultural web model can be used to assess an organization’s current culture and identify areas for improvement. By examining each element of the cultural web, organizations can gain a comprehensive understanding of their culture and develop strategies to shape it in a positive direction.

To use the cultural web model effectively, organizations should:

1. Identify and communicate a clear vision for the organization that reflects its values, beliefs, and objectives.
2. Design the organization structure to support the desired culture.
3. Create control systems that reflect the organization’s values and beliefs and encourage desired behaviors.
4. Establish power structures that align with the desired culture and support the organization’s objectives.
5. Monitor employee performance to ensure the organizational culture is consistently followed.
6. Develop training programs and other forms of communication that help reinforce the desired culture.
7. Provide ongoing employee feedback about their performance and progress in the desired culture.
8. Celebrate successes and recognize employees’ contributions to achieving the organization’s objectives.

By following these steps, organizations can use the cultural web model to create a culture that reflects their values and beliefs, supports their objectives, and encourages employee engagement and productivity.

Conclusion

The cultural web model is a valuable tool for organizations looking to understand and shape their corporate culture. By examining the six interconnected elements of the cultural web, organizations can gain a comprehensive understanding of their current culture and identify areas for improvement. The model provides a framework for developing a holistic vision for the desired culture and creating a strategy to achieve that vision. By using the cultural web model effectively, organizations can create a positive and productive culture that supports their goals and objectives.

References

1. Johnson, G., & Scholes, K. (1992). Exploring corporate strategy (4th ed.). London: Prentice Hall.
2. The Cultural Web Model Explained. (2023, December 19). Shiftbase. https://www.shiftbase.com/glossary/cultural-web-model
3. Cultural Web | Art of change making. (n.d.). Leadership Centre. https://www.leadershipcentre.org.uk/artofchangemaking/theory/cultural-web/
4. Cultural Web Model: A Strategy for Corporate Culture. (n.d.). Personio. https://www.personio.com/hr-lexicon/cultural-web-model/

FAQs

What is the cultural web model?

The cultural web model is a framework developed by Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes to understand and analyze an organization’s culture. It consists of six interconnected elements: stories, rituals and routines, symbols, organization structures, control systems, and power structures.

What are the key elements of the cultural web model?

The six key elements of the cultural web model are:
– Stories: the collective memories and narratives of an organization that reflect its history, values, and beliefs.
– Rituals and routines: the behaviors and actions that are considered acceptable and expected within the organization.
– Symbols: visual representations of the organization’s culture, such as logos, mission statements, and slogans.
– Organization structures: the formal and informal structures that define how work is organized and how power and influence are distributed.
– Control systems: the processes and procedures used to monitor and evaluate employee performance and organizational effectiveness.
– Power structures: the individuals, groups, or departments that hold significant decision-making power and influence within the organization.

How can the cultural web model be used?

The cultural web model can be used to:
– Assess an organization’s current culture and identify areas for improvement.
– Develop a vision for the desired culture and create a strategy to achieve that vision.
– Understand the impact of cultural factors on organizational behavior and performance.
– Identify and address cultural barriers to change and innovation.
– Foster a positive and productive organizational culture that supports the organization’s goals and objectives.

What are the benefits of using the cultural web model?

The benefits of using the cultural web model include:
– Provides a comprehensive framework for understanding organizational culture.
– Helps identify the root causes of cultural issues and challenges.
– Facilitates the development of targeted and effective strategies for cultural change.
– Enhances communication and collaboration among employees and stakeholders.
– Promotes a shared understanding of the organization’s values, beliefs, and goals.

What are some limitations of the cultural web model?

Some limitations of the cultural web model include:
– It can be complex and time-consuming to apply, especially in large and complex organizations.
– It may be difficult to obtain accurate and reliable data on all aspects of the cultural web.
– The model does not explicitly address the role of individual agency and resistance to cultural change.
– It may be challenging to translate the findings of a cultural web analysis into actionable strategies for cultural change.

How can organizations use the cultural web model to create a positive culture?

Organizations can use the cultural web model to create a positive culture by:
– Identifying and communicating a clear vision for the desired culture.
– Aligning the organization’s structure, systems, and processes with the desired culture.
– Encouraging and rewarding behaviors that support the desired culture.
– Providing opportunities for employees to participate in shaping and changing the culture.
– Celebrating successes and recognizing employees who exemplify the desired cultural values.

What are some examples of how the cultural web model has been used in practice?

The cultural web model has been used in a variety of organizations, including:
– A manufacturing company used the model to identify and address cultural barriers to innovation.
– A healthcare organization used the model to develop a strategy for creating a more patient-centered culture.
– A government agency used the model to assess and improve its organizational culture in the wake of a major scandal.
– A non-profit organization used the model to develop a shared understanding of its values and beliefs among its diverse staff and volunteers.

What are some resources for learning more about the cultural web model?

There are a number of resources available for learning more about the cultural web model, including:
– Johnson, G., & Scholes, K. (1992). Exploring corporate strategy (4th ed.). London: Prentice Hall.
– The Cultural Web Model Explained. (2023, December 19). Shiftbase. https://www.shiftbase.com/glossary/cultural-web-model
– Cultural Web | Art of change making. (n.d.). Leadership Centre. https://www.leadershipcentre.org.uk/artofchangemaking/theory/cultural-web/
– Cultural Web Model: A Strategy for Corporate Culture. (n.d.). Personio. https://www.personio.com/hr-lexicon/cultural-web-model/