Programs Create Culture

The culture of an organization is defined by the intersection and interaction between three basic elements: People, Program and Paper. In this post I would like to think about the role that Program plans in the creation and formation of organizational culture.

Each organization has a reason for existence. Most companies have a mission statement that clearly and concisely describe its purpose. This mission or purpose usually has a programmatic element designed to accomplish the goals of the organization. The various activities, structures, and traditions that make up the programs of the organization define in pragmatic ways the mission and ministry of the company. There are often tensions within the programmatic elements of an organization even if they are all aligned with its vision. Sales can conflict with marketing which can be in debate with manufacturing.

In the context of education, the tension is often found in the focus of the ministries of the school. Schools have curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular programs designed to transform the educational process into reality. But often the activities of the extra-curricular program (football practice, cheer leading tryouts, musical rehearsals, and science fair participation) and the curricular demands (homework, class projects, unit tests) fall in a collision course.

“I can't believe that the Government teacher is giving a major test the day after Opening Night! My cast can't concentrate with that pressure.”

“Rain outs have resulted in four baseball games being scheduled this week, when are the students supposed to get their schoolwork done – they are students first and then athletes second, right?”

There are even tensions within major activities: both the musical and the softball team need to use the gym on a rainy day – who gets priority? The science fair need all the tables in order to set up the projects, but the Middle School needs the tables for the Mother/Daughter Tea. The large meeting room has been double booked by the Mother's Prayer Group and the Fine Arts boosters.

All of these conflicts, and so many more, happen in every school in the country. Every organization has its own set of programmatic tensions. These conflicts do not result in the creation of culture as much as how the organization deals with and resolves the conflicts. The critical role of leadership involves the methodology and process used in addressing the interactions between and among programmatic elements. Tactful, loving confrontation can result in an atmosphere of openness and honesty. Friendly debate and dialog that focuses on problems not people can result in a culture of innovation and collaboration.