Structural – Functionalist Analysis of Organizational Culture: Inputs to Culture Building Model in a Manufacturing Organization

Abstract

This study focused on the identification of correlates of corporate culture, concept of a learning organization, leadership skill, and corporate culture of TMZ Semiconductor, Ltd. The study used the descriptive-explanatory research design and triangulation technique (quantitative and qualitative data) for data analysis. The company is employing a hierarchical culture, which emphasizes standardization, control and a well-defined structure of authority and decision-making. Adaptability as the type of leadership skill in the organization recognizes their attention on the continuing need to tweak the operations in view of the highly-competitive global market for their products. Three factors were identified as the three correlates of corporate culture: (1) people orientation; (2) detail orientation; and (3) outcome orientation. The hierarchy-oriented type of corporate culture of this manufacturing industry enabled the company to secure a competitive advantage in coping with the changing circumstances of the international market for their products and services. Moreover, the introduction of leadership skill as test factor to elaborate the bivariate relationship between the correlates of corporate culture and corporate culture is done statistically using the zero-order correlation. Thus, leadership skill is an intervening variable. A culture- building model for a manufacturing organization is hereby proposed as a template for an effective and sustainable business operation. The model focuses on the paradoxes that every manufacturing company is constantly seeking to balance.