All For You

Schein states that it is essential that the outsider (the person inquiring about the culture) learn what is really going on.  He says that it requires real entry into and involvement with the organization beyond what questionnaires, surveys, or even individual interviews can provide.  Recently selected individuals were interviewed by a Human Resource Representative.  The interviews were organized for HR to get a better understanding of our culture.   

 This HR representative did not enter into our environment we were actually called away from our environment and taken offsite into another one to be questioned.  It’s funny how the text clearly states that the only way to really get a since of what is going on is to get involved and this is exactly the opposite of what my HR department did. 

 The text also states that the researcher must create a relationship with the organization that permits him or her to become a researcher/consultant to insure that reliable and valid data will be forthcoming.   The selected individuals were pulled away from their office and asked several questions that would hopefully shed light on the culture.  There have been several individuals that have made me aware of the “no tell” policy among the staff.  Employees before me have gone through several culture analysis and the outcomes always pin point certain individuals even though they are assured that the answers are kept secretly. 

 Needless to say I was one of the selected individuals to participate in the research.  I being the new kid on the block went over to give my honest opinions.   I honestly felt like I had something to gain by revealing what I really thought and felt.  Also I felt like if they were not naming names than how on earth could my boss know what I said in the interview.   

 To my disbelief all of my comments came back to bite me in the buttocks.  He was able to quote my comments verbatim.  This was a complete let down.  How could an organization of this magnitude break all “rules”?