5. The Cultural School

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Adopted from Francis, (2014)

The cultural school of strategy formulation is one of the ten perspectives on strategy described by Henry Mintzberg and his colleagues in their book "Strategy Safari." Rooted in anthropology, the cultural school centers on the way social interactions within an organization are influenced by shared beliefs and traditions. This school's foundational concept suggests that when you examine power dynamics closely, you can discern the role of culture in shaping them (Mintzberg, 1998).

The primary components of this model, as presented in the literature, include decision-making methods, resistance to changes in strategy, strategies to address this resistance, prevailing values, and instances of clash within the organisation's culture.

Despite some limitations like its conceptual vagueness and potential to discourage necessary change, the cultural school takes a comprehensive historical approach and introduces ideas related to collectivism. It asserts that culture serves as a potent and enduring barrier to imitation, thereby allowing organisations to maintain a competitive advantage (Opata, 2017b).

Here's a table summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of the "cultural school" of strategy formulation:


Keep in mind that these advantages and disadvantages may vary depending on the specific context and the organisation's unique circumstances.



References

  1. Francis, A. (2014). Henry Mintzberg’s 10 Schools of Strategic Thought. [online] MBA Knowledge Base. Available at: https://www.mbaknol.com/strategic-management/henry-mintzbergs-10-schools-of-strategic-thought/ [Accessed 11 Nov. 2023].

  2. Mintzberg, H., Ahlstrand, B. and Lampel, J. (1998) Strategy Safari Wilds of Strategic Management. Free Press, New York, 406 [Accessed 11 Nov. 2023].

  3. Opata, C.N., Sarbah, A., Nusenu, A. and Tetteh, S. (2017b). The Cultural School of Strategic Formulation (Strategy Formulation Based on Social Interactions, Beliefs and Traditions). Open Journal of Business and Management, 05(02), pp.335–347. doi:https://doi.org/10.4236/ojbm.2017.52029 [Accessed 11 Nov. 2023].











Comments

  1. S. D. S. K. Kumara (E205009)November 14, 2023 at 7:10 AM

    As I think, A strong culture encourages creativity, innovation, and risk-taking, which are all essential components of an effective business strategy. It also promotes open communication and collaboration to ensure that the organization's plan is well-thought-out and properly implemented. Great article. Keep it up.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dinesh EkanayakeNovember 14, 2023 at 8:49 AM

    Hi Sudesh, In this situation, strategic management goes beyond a strictly analytical approach and recognises the need of comprehending and taking advantage of the cultural factors at work. The formulation, communication, and implementation of strategies are significantly influenced by the organisational culture. It turns into a prism through which relationships between people and groups, power relationships, and decision-making procedures are understood.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sumeda JayalathNovember 16, 2023 at 4:43 PM

    Hi Sudesh,

    The cultural school of strategy formulation is like a microscope trained on the intricate tapestry of an organization's inner workings. Its focus on social interactions and shared beliefs unveils the foundational elements shaping decision-making, responses to change, and the very essence of values within a company.

    How does the cultural school of strategy formulation elucidate the influence of, decision-making processes, modern, fast-evolving organizational culture.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dammika SudeshNovember 16, 2023 at 10:00 PM

      Dear Sumedha appreciated your query,
      The cultural school of strategy formulation highlights that decision-making processes within modern, rapidly evolving organizational cultures are deeply shaped by shared beliefs, values, and norms. These cultural elements significantly influence how strategies are conceived, implemented, and adapted within organizations.

      Delete
  4. V.N. Haputhantri.November 17, 2023 at 5:21 AM

    How does the cultural school of strategy formulation, as outlined in the literature, view the role of culture in shaping power dynamics within an organization? Additionally, what are the key components highlighted in this model, and how do they contribute to understanding strategy formulation from a cultural perspective according to Mintzberg's "Strategy Safari"?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dammika SudeshNovember 20, 2023 at 10:17 AM

      Dear Vidura, appreciated your question and, The cultural school emphasizes that culture profoundly shapes power dynamics in organizations. It sees culture as a core influencer of strategic choices, fostering unique values, beliefs, and norms that impact decision-making. Mintzberg's "Strategy Safari" underscores key components like rituals, symbols, and shared values, illustrating how they create collective identity and influence strategic direction. Understanding these cultural elements helps decode how strategies emerge organically within an organization, driven by its distinct cultural fabric.

      Delete
  5. SudarshaNovember 22, 2023 at 1:40 AM

    Hello Sudesh.
    The cultural school of strategy formulation, as outlined by Mintzberg, brings a rich anthropological perspective to understanding organizational dynamics. Despite its conceptual challenges, it offers a historical lens and underscores the enduring role of culture as a unique competitive advantage for organizations.





    ReplyDelete
  6. Mithini Punsara AbeyrathneNovember 25, 2023 at 11:41 PM

    Hi Sudesh, The cultural school of strategy formulation, as proposed by Henry Mintzberg, introduces a nuanced anthropological perspective into the exploration of organizational dynamics. While facing conceptual challenges, this approach provides a valuable historical lens through which to examine strategic processes. Emphasizing the enduring significance of organizational culture, Mintzberg's cultural school posits that culture serves as a distinctive and lasting competitive advantage for organizations. By recognizing the impact of shared values, beliefs, and norms on decision-making and behavior, this perspective highlights the integral role of culture in shaping strategies. In navigating the complexities of strategy formulation, understanding the cultural fabric of an organization becomes paramount, offering insights into its past, present, and future strategic endeavors.

    ReplyDelete

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