“How helpful is Schein’s (1990) model of organisational culture as a
description of organisational life? Consider its strengths and limitations,
drawing on other organisational theories and metaphors as appropriate”
(3000 words)
Assessment criteria
1. Compare and contrast the various schools of thought that explain the social roles
played in organisations
2. Evaluate the interrelationship between individuals, groups and managers in
organisations.
3. Understand the key internal variables impacting upon organisations’ work (e.g.
culture, motivation, personality) and be aware of how theory links to practical
outcomes and associated with the management of people and organisations.
4. Prepare an academic piece of work and critically discuss an issue related to
organisations and our roles within it.
5. Apply the research skills necessary to properly investigate and collect
information/data to support an argument.
Preparing for the assessment
In preparing for this assessment you should keep in mind the learning outcomes
(above) and seek to draw on material from the key debates and issues that have
been discussed across the whole module. This means that to get a good grade you
must look carefully at the wording of the assignment question and try to break it
down into manageable chunks. You should then seek to use material from your
lecture/workshops, together with your additional reading, as evidence to support
your answers to the question, i.e.:-
• Outline Schein’s model; drawing attention to its specific strengths and weaknesses
exemplifying a ‘cultural’ approach;
• Draw on alternative organisational metaphors to explore its weaknesses further;
and
• Carefully consider the usefulness of the approach on the basis of the specific
strengths and weaknesses you have identified.