Westrum organizational culture, also known as the Westrum typology, is a model that was developed by Dr. Ron Westrum to describe different types of organizational cultures. This model is widely used in the field of organizational psychology and management to understand how organizations operate and how they can improve their performance.
The Westrum typology categorizes organizational cultures into three different types: pathological, bureaucratic, and generative. A pathological culture is characterized by a focus on personal power and self-interest. This type of culture is often associated with toxic workplaces, where employees feel insecure and mistrustful. A bureaucratic culture, on the other hand, is characterized by a focus on rules and procedures. This type of culture is often associated with slow decision-making and lack of innovation. Finally, a generative culture is characterized by a focus on learning and improvement. This type of culture is often associated with high-performing organizations, where employees feel empowered and engaged.
The Westrum typology has several implications for organizational management. For instance, managers who want to improve their organization’s performance may need to identify and address the underlying causes of a pathological or bureaucratic culture. This could involve changing the organizational structure or leadership style, or introducing new training programs to help employees develop their skills and knowledge.
By contrast, managers who want to foster a generative culture may need to focus on creating an environment where employees feel valued and empowered. This could involve giving employees more autonomy and responsibility, encouraging open communication, and providing opportunities for professional development and growth.
In conclusion, the Westrum typology is a useful framework for understanding organizational culture and its impact on performance. By identifying the type of culture that exists within an organization, managers can take steps to address any underlying issues and create a more positive and productive work environment. Ultimately, a generative culture is likely to lead to higher levels of engagement, innovation, and performance, which can benefit both employees and the organization as a whole.