Common Management Errors (3 cont.)

Five Main Cultural Functions

Not understanding the 5 main functions of culture (Marcella Bremer, 2012), ie

i) it provides collective security or reduces collective insecurity, ie "it's the way we do things around here and what we believe in" or 'this is how things are'

ii) it determines social hierarchy, ie it gives people a position; it determines the leaders and is a stabilising factor

iii) it provides continuity, ie share common language, values, beliefs, behaviours and standards; we copy them and encourage others to adopt them. At the behavioural level it is passing on 'the way we do things around here'

iv) it provides a shared identity and familiarity, ie provides a sense of belonging and being appreciated which is a very basic human need

v) provides a vision of the future, ie staff know where heading