Participation in shaping the organisational culture

Participation in shaping the organisational culture

Participants, patrons and other users of an institution living in symbiosis with its environment and operating as an open system, have a special status. “This place is yours! Use it!” “You are not a guest, you are the host!” Consequently, the values, norms and unwritten rules of the organisation are shaped by the stakeholders. It needs to be noted that organisational culture consists of a visible and an invisible tier. The visible facet comprises image elements and communications and a variety of policies. These are carefully planned elements, often involving creative work. Ideas and endeavours of the stakeholders may just as well be permitted to penetrate this space as well, so that the local community’s attitude can be more fully reflected in the symbolic sphere too. Rules operating in the deepest layers are formed not primarily at a conscious level. However, where citizens and their communities coexist and live together with representatives of the profession, they can shape the most persistent norms and values in a self-evident way. This may be facilitated and promoted by a cosy environment and coexistence in the long term.

This article based on the following document:

Socialized Operation of Cultural Institutions : A methodological guide to community-based operation