Organisational ‘personality’

Organisational Culture – Part 4 The personality metaphor ‘Organisational personhood’ refers to the legal concept that an incorporated entity, like a non-profit or for-purpose organisation, as distinct from its associated people (i.e. directors, managers, or employees), has some of the legal rights and responsibilities enjoyed by ‘natural persons’. (A ‘natural person’ in this sense is a human… Continue reading Organisational ‘personality’

Choosing an organisational metaphor? Choose wisely!

Organisational Culture – Part 3 A cautionary note Beware the power of metaphor. The metaphors used to describe your organisation can exert a strong influence on your team and stakeholders – for good or ill. I recently heard of an organisation in which some of the members had started referring to the entity as “The… Continue reading Choosing an organisational metaphor? Choose wisely!

Multi-focal Views of Organisational Culture

Organisational Culture – Part 2 Gaze Awareness In sociology, critical theory, and psychoanalysis, ‘the gaze‘ refers to the awareness and perception an individual or group has of other individuals, other groups or themselves. In literary criticism, for example, the gaze of the writer and the gaze of the reader are often the subject of comment.… Continue reading Multi-focal Views of Organisational Culture

Working ‘on’ or ‘in’ your organisational culture

Organisational Culture – Part 1 When we read about an association’s or charity’s culture in the media, all too often it is not a ‘good news’ story. They don’t generally give out Walkley or Pulitzer awards to journalists for stories about innovative, caring, or ethical cultures. The news focus, therefore, skews towards corrupt, risky, toxic,… Continue reading Working ‘on’ or ‘in’ your organisational culture