Understanding culture
Different organizations adopt certain terminal and instrumental values that the people in the organization are required to embrace and operate in. Terminal values are those that relate to the end result that the organization desires to achieve while instrumental values are formulated in reference to the goals of that organization. They guide people in the organization towards achieving the desired goals and objectives that the organization seeks. The values an institution adopts greatly influences the cultural behaviors and norms as well as the attitudes the people in the organization embraces or/and develops.
A nearby mission school has embraced Christian based values that have contributed to achieving a God fearing community of students, teachers and other staff members in the school. Similarly, the school’s performance is rated to be relatively high as compared to other schools within the region. This has been due to the values the school has. A student joining the school for example goes through an intensive interview about on the area they wish to major in so as to ascertain competence. Integrity, honesty, transparency, courtesy, competence and teamwork are the instrumental values that the school has adopted. Most of terminal values are based on the religious values that Christianity outlines. As a result the management has an easy time managing the staff and students. Cases of lateness and any form indiscipline are rare. Cases of drug abuse among the students are also rare.
It is a common believe within this community that faith and performance are related in that the stronger one grows in faith their performance also improved. The school has therefore fully integrated religion in the system. Academic performance and spiritual growth are equally emphasized. Members of the institution also believe that whatever one engages in is Gods calling in their lives. They therefore do it whole heartedly without much supervision. It is a tradition in the school that all students attend morning prayers as well as evening services. This makes students from weak religious background to fully embrace religion. The school however does not admit or even employ people from people from different religion apart from Christianity. This locks out many Muslim students. This is a form of discrimination which may is unethical and discourages unification the society.
New members in to the community, either staff or students are required to fully embrace the system. Every person joining this school is required to sign a document that gives an outline of believes and doctrines that the school has adopted and that every member is required to follow strictly. This limits the freedom of staff and students. This has created a rebellious attitude by the surrounding community, some students and also among staff members towards the management. Views students and staff are considered during decision making. This has strains the relationship between the students and staff communities with the management.
Every year the school gives several school scholarships to needy students both local and international. It also offers jobs to former students who perform exemplary well. These students therefore act as a good example to other students. A mega party is also by the management organized for all students in the various students to interact and share their experiences. There are also exchange programs for students and staff. The main source of these values is Christian based. The emphasis on spiritual growth also helps individuals set their personal values.
