Week 6 Disc 2 Dominant Cultures and Subcultures

Contrast the dynamics between dominant cultures and subcultures either in a work setting or in society. Explain why it is important to understand the impact of culture. Give an example where you demonstrated your awareness and or openness to understanding a cultural difference. Explain how these differences underscore the need for understanding diversity. From the information given, develop guidelines for embracing diversity.

SAMPLE RESPONSE FROM A FORMER STUDENTContrast the dynamics between dominant cultures and subcultures either in a work setting or in society. Explain why it is important to understand the impact of culture. Give an example where you demonstrated your awareness and or openness to understanding a cultural difference.

A culture can be divided into two different settings that include dominant culture or subculture.  A dominant culture reveals the core values of the organization and a subculture is a smaller group inside the dominant culture that share common problems and situations (Baack, 2012).  Understanding the effects of these cultures is important as it provides insight on how an organization operates, its identity, and its social system.

I am currently working with a church organization to help establish their mission, vision, values, and other key messaging.  As I have undertaken this process, I have come to realize there are a number of subcultures at work.  In most cases, these subcultures are a result of relationship being built over time and in other situations, these subcultures are a result of groups looking to control the church.  Regardless of the subculture group, what is clear to me is that the lack of a dominant culture driven by purpose through the use of a mission and vision is missing in this organization.  Author Donald Baack describes a strong culture when he states, “A company with a strong culture employs members who intensely hold and readily share the organization’s core values” (Baack, 2012).  In the case of the church I’m working with, it survives with a weak culture largely based on the structure of the church that has been handed down over generations.  However, providing a purpose to the organization may help deliver a dominant culture that offers parishioners stronger core values to hold on too.

Explain how these differences underscore the need for understanding diversity. From the information given, develop guidelines for embracing diversity

In my example of the church I’m working with, diversity plays a large role in a number of aspects.  For example, the church is currently looking for members to nominate for next year’s church council.  The committee performing this task is looking at things like gender and age that will allow a council to make decisions based on a broad perspective.  I embrace what the church nominating committee is looking to achieve because diversity in any organization is important for organizational growth.  Regardless of whether it is a church or business having a broad appeal and perspective opens up the opportunity for fresh ideas, different viewpoints, and an ability to reach new customers.

References

Baack, D. (2012). Organizational behavior. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.