To read this content please select one of the options below:

Cultural basis of high performance organizations

Vipin Gupta (Global Management Center, California State University, San Bernardina, California, USA)

International Journal of Commerce and Management

ISSN: 1056-9219

Article publication date: 6 September 2011

5156

Abstract

Purpose

In the knowledge‐based environment business firms face today, “high performance” organization is in popular demand. This paper aims to identify dimensions of organizational culture that are relevant in creating and maintaining a high performance organization within and across cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses are tested using the 62‐society Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness data on organizational and societal cultures. The impact of uncertainty avoidance, future orientation, power distance, gender egalitarianism, and humane orientation values and practices, at the organizational and societal level, is evaluated using hierarchical linear model methodology.

Findings

Several strategic facets may help develop high performing organizations. First, invest in the societies where such organizations are common. Second, invest in the societies that have uncertainty absorbing technological infrastructure and that are culturally sensitive (humane oriented). Third, invest in one or more of the five techniques that support the practice of high performing organizations. Fourth, invest in the societal contexts that value gender diversity, as they are more likely to value a shift towards high performing organizations. Fifth, invest in forming alliances with the organizations that value gender diversity, future‐oriented workforce strategies, and uncertainty absorbing technological infrastructure, as they are more likely to positively reinforce partner efforts to become high performing.

Research limitations/implications

A multi‐faceted (five strategic facets), multi‐dimensional (five cultural techniques), and multi‐level (organizational and societal) approach to the development of high performing systems will help organizations foster and sustain an open culture, where cultural sensitivities are addressable through a climate of exchange and mutual give and take.

Originality/value

The paper uses a cross‐cultural database to identify the cultural dimensions of high performance organizational design.

Keywords

Citation

Gupta, V. (2011), "Cultural basis of high performance organizations", International Journal of Commerce and Management, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 221-240. https://doi.org/10.1108/10569211111165280

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles