socialization, culture, metaphor

MJ blogged about the socialization process when entering an organization. Newcomers to an organization highlight cultural practices, values, beliefs, and the like that oldtimers take for granted--and don't even notice. Because SJSU is the older public institution of higher education in California, I've often heard the phrase, "We've always done it that way." With such an "old" culture, SJSU can be slow to change.

NuNu mentioned that the integration approach to culture may not be very pragmatic. Can organization members come together and agree on cultural beliefs and values? Smaller co-cultures likely can do this, but it's less probable with larger groups. ad_pe_144 talked about rituals in a sorority. Rituals provide an important venue for reinforcing cultural values and for socializing organization members. The regular meetings of a sorority and script for the event let members know the kinds of things the organization identifies as important. For example, if everyone has a turn to speak, that suggests the organization values member participation and voice.

JMcAvoy reflected on metaphors in everyday life. Although the original version of Lakoff and Johnson's Metaphors We Live By was published nearly 30 years ago, their thesis resonates with people today. Examining metaphors brings to the forefront the ways in which language structures how individuals interpret and act on their world. Athina of Greece (who continues to include intriguing images with the blog posts) notes the problem with the conduit metaphor in organization.

Although some organizational scholars consider the cultural approach dated, it helps researchers, students, and organization members examine more closely that which is typically unnoticed.

--Professor Cyborg