Research Paper on:
ORGANIZATIONAL SYMBOLISM AND CONSTRAINTS IN THE CASE STUDY "WINNING WAYS' GEAR FOR SPORTS"

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to get their paychecks. In many cases, workplaces reflect an individuals identity - as such, symbols of an organization mean a great deal to its workers (Van Buskirk and McGraff,  1999). Moving into this concept further, organizational culture focuses on culture defined as "shared meanings derived from individuals interacting with one another" (Karthanos, 1998, p. 123). In a typical organization,  there are different degrees of shared meaning that make up an organizations specific culture (Karathanos, 1998). A strong organizational culture helps facilitate communication, fosters cooperation and means organizational members have  a consistent set of assumptions when it comes to decision-making (Karathanos, 1998). Winning Ways has a series of organizational symbols (and impression management)  that help this function has a cohesive organization. Physical symbolism. Winning Ways corporate headquarters is a huge example of organizational symbolism - the  lobby speaks to a successful organization, complete with high-end sports apparel attractively displayed, a walled fountain and enough room for a gathering area (along with accents of mahogany). The lobby  itself is a rotunda. In other works the physical cues gear employees (and visitors) toward successful symbolism. Verbal symbolism. Taking their cues  from founder Bob Wolff, Winning Ways employees are part of an organizational culture that thrives on verbal cues. The Winning Ways vision is based on change and motion; employees speak  frequently about riding waves, faster sailing and the willingness to work hard. The vocabulary is fast-paced, action oriented and dedicated toward continual change and improvement. Respect is also a huge  component within this organization, and this is regularly underlined - employees respected their boss, Dave Greenans, not because hes soft with them, but because hes direct with the employees and