Vraag 1 - gegeven door Harry
What are the key notions of culture according to Alvesson (2013: 4-6) and how does he define them? (2
points)
‘Meaning refers to how an object or an utterance is interpreted. It points at what something is
standing for’ (4)
‘A symbol can be defined as an object – a word or statement, a kind of action or a material
phenomenon – that stands ambiguously for something else and / or something more than the
object itself’ (5)
Vraag 2 – gegeven door harry
Wat zijn de key Dimensions van culture?
First is ideas regarding whether organizational culture generally supports some broad socially shared values,
or whether organizational cultures typically reflect only an elite group’s interest or conviction, or if culture
typically stands for frozen, non-conscious ideas that constrain free thought creativity and open-minded
problem-solving.
Second is objectivism vs interpretation: is it possible to objectivily define and measure culture, by for
example identifying, isolating and getting data om how people relate to a specific issue?
A third dimension concerns the agents of culture creation and reproduction. One may argue that culture is a
force-like mechanism that operates beyond the backs and controls of individuals and groups. Cultural
traditions and taken-for granted meaniongs and guidelines, breaking with earlier dominating ones. Or
culture is an ongoing social creation.
1. Elite vs modale mens
2. Objectivisme vs interpretisme
3. Wie creeert er de cultuur?
Vraag 3 – gegeven door Harry
Explain the difference that Alvesson (2013: 6) makes between ‘culture’ and ‘social structure’ (5 points)
‘CULTURE DESCRIBES SOCIAL ACTION AS DEPENDING ON THE MEANING IT HAS FOR
THOSE INVOLVED’ (6)
‘SOCIAL STRUCTURE DESCRIBES SOCIAL ACTION FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF ITS
CONSEQUENCES ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE SOCIAL SYSTEM’ (6)
Vraag 4 – Gegeven voor Harry
What are the assumptions of Alvesson his take on Cultural Phenomena. Bottom of page 3
They are related to history and tradition
They have some depth, are difficult to grasp and account for , and must be interpreted
They are collective and shared by members of groups
They are primarily ideational in character , having to do with meanings, understandings, beliefs, knowledge
and other intangbles
They are holistic, intersubjective and emotional rather than stricly rational and analytic
HDCIH
What are the key notions of culture according to Alvesson (2013: 4-6) and how does he define them? (2
points)
‘Meaning refers to how an object or an utterance is interpreted. It points at what something is
standing for’ (4)
‘A symbol can be defined as an object – a word or statement, a kind of action or a material
phenomenon – that stands ambiguously for something else and / or something more than the
object itself’ (5)
Vraag 2 – gegeven door harry
Wat zijn de key Dimensions van culture?
First is ideas regarding whether organizational culture generally supports some broad socially shared values,
or whether organizational cultures typically reflect only an elite group’s interest or conviction, or if culture
typically stands for frozen, non-conscious ideas that constrain free thought creativity and open-minded
problem-solving.
Second is objectivism vs interpretation: is it possible to objectivily define and measure culture, by for
example identifying, isolating and getting data om how people relate to a specific issue?
A third dimension concerns the agents of culture creation and reproduction. One may argue that culture is a
force-like mechanism that operates beyond the backs and controls of individuals and groups. Cultural
traditions and taken-for granted meaniongs and guidelines, breaking with earlier dominating ones. Or
culture is an ongoing social creation.
1. Elite vs modale mens
2. Objectivisme vs interpretisme
3. Wie creeert er de cultuur?
Vraag 3 – gegeven door Harry
Explain the difference that Alvesson (2013: 6) makes between ‘culture’ and ‘social structure’ (5 points)
‘CULTURE DESCRIBES SOCIAL ACTION AS DEPENDING ON THE MEANING IT HAS FOR
THOSE INVOLVED’ (6)
‘SOCIAL STRUCTURE DESCRIBES SOCIAL ACTION FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF ITS
CONSEQUENCES ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE SOCIAL SYSTEM’ (6)
Vraag 4 – Gegeven voor Harry
What are the assumptions of Alvesson his take on Cultural Phenomena. Bottom of page 3
They are related to history and tradition
They have some depth, are difficult to grasp and account for , and must be interpreted
They are collective and shared by members of groups
They are primarily ideational in character , having to do with meanings, understandings, beliefs, knowledge
and other intangbles
They are holistic, intersubjective and emotional rather than stricly rational and analytic
HDCIH
