Measuring Organizational Culture : The Cultural Audit

Abstract

Introduces an instrument for measuring organizational culture. Discussion of the concept precedes discussion of the problems of measurement and the traditions and theory on which design of the instrument draws. Summarizes the dimensions to be measured in terms of four general bipolar descriptive types: homogeneous v. heterogeneous; enriched v. managed; developing v. stationary; balanced v. dissonnant. Items in the Cultural Audit Instrument (a 17-page questionnaire) are grouped in sections on the basis of previous research; the causes of problems; the outcomes; the moderator. For each response element the instrument measures the person's perceptions of their own and others' situations in the organization and of their ideal situation. Gives examples of results.