B’s Question: As technology continues to progress, how do we ensure that the changes we implement in our various contexts contribute to our company culture and values? How do we avoid copying what others are doing to try and keep up? (B121, 2018)

B,
Thank you for your well written synopsis on how companies like Apple, Amazon and Walmart have responded to technological advancements within our society. Your detail in capturing Apple’s foresight and innovation is a great example of a company that has embraced accelerated change theory in the areas of communication, computing and nano technology.

In response to the first part of your question, companies need to hold the concept of stewardship front and center when it comes to nourishing and encouraging company culture. This is essential especially in the face of environmental uncertainty and technology progression. Leaders that value stewardship hold the organizations in which they lead in trust for the greater good of society (Northouse, 2018). A company that displays stewardship actively seeks input from employees to cultivate a “value system that ties individuals’ emotions and motivations to the needs of the organization” (Malgeri, 2010, p. 42). I think that it is important for companies to hold workshops and conferences for employees to discuss changes prior to their implementation. Garnering input from employees and listening to them intently is a way in which top level leaders can show their followers they are valued, which is a catalyst to positive company culture. This not only supports employees to feel a part of the change management process but makes them feel like contributing members of the organization. In addition, inclusion that also contributes to a company’s culture is fostered through that time when leaders engage with employees. Nugent, Pollack and Travis (2016) puts emphasizes on “strong relationships and respectful, collaborative, or transparent interpersonal communication” (p. 6) to be an essential ingredient to foster that sense of inclusion and company moral.

To respond to the second part of your question, I think that it is extremely difficult to avoid copying what others are doing, especially if they are successful. Look at Apple, they have been at or near the top of the industry for years now and more and more companies seem to be copying the look of Apple products, like with laptops that look like Macs. Successful companies have the ability to take more risks with innovation, but smaller companies need to be more careful, since one mistake could be crippling. If we are looking at smaller versus larger companies, I would say that a way that smaller ones could avoid copying would be in remaining loyal to current employees and resisting attempts at automation. This, I feel, would lead to a stronger and healthier work environment. That being said, there are so many variables at play in this type of discussion that I’ll sum up my final point by saying that the only true way to avoid copying others is to stay true to your company’s vision and purpose and not get caught up in what others are doing. I know, I know, easier said that done!

Daneen

References

B121. (2018, November 23). Activity 2 – Change and Technology. [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://create.twu.ca/b121/2018/11/activity-2-change-and-technology/

Malgeri, J. (2010). Organizational foresight and stewardship. The Public Manager, 39(4), 39-42.

Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice, Eighth Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Nugent, J., Pollack, A. & Travis, D. (2016). The day to day experiences of workplace inclusion and exclusion. Retrieved from http://www.catalyst.org/system/files/the_day_to_day_experiences_of_workplace_inclusion_and_exclusion.pdf