Organizational Culture Management

Organizational Culture Management

The Model of Futures Culture in Defense Organizations and Strategies to Improve it

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
1 Department of Sociology, Research Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Management and Industries Engineering Complex,, Malik e Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Political Science, Faculty of Law, Theology and Political Science, Research Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Objectives: A forward-looking approach is a key and essential capability for all organizations operating in dynamic and complex environments. It is influenced by cultural values, beliefs, norms, and behaviors. By examining the underlying culture, this study aims to reveal the dimensions and components of a forward-looking culture within defense organizations, striving to identify and elucidate its existing characteristics, the reasons for its formation, and strategies for its enhancement.
Methods: This research was conducted using a qualitative interpretive approach for exploratory-applied purposes. A mixed-method approach was employed for data collection, comprising a systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis. Sampling was purposeful, based on expertise and experience, and continued through interviews with 20 experts until theoretical saturation was achieved. To ensure the validity of the findings, member checking and inter-coder agreement methods were utilized.
Findings: Analysis of the interview data, conducted in six stages, resulted in the extraction of 36 basic themes, 24 organizing themes, and 11 overarching themes: power-seeking, short-termism, ideological thinking, threat-orientation, (strategic) surprise, idealism, centralization, incremental evolution, conservatism, traditionalism, and past-orientation. The key findings from the thematic analysis were: the tension between certain characteristics, such as the challenge of adhering to traditions while adapting to future needs; the prominent role of organizational leadership in shaping a forward-looking culture; the need to strengthen and provide training in futures thinking; and the importance of considering the social dimensions of a forward-looking culture. Subsequently, the investigation into the "Causes and Factors Shaping the Existing Futures Culture" was conducted using thematic analysis. This process resulted in the identification of 78 basic themes, 19 organizing themes, and five main themes, namely: structural and systemic factors, cultural factors, knowledge- and skill-related factors, motivational factors, and communication-related factors. Finally, the examination of "Strategies for Improve Futures Studies Culture" yielded 80 basic themes, 23 organizing themes, and seven main themes. These propose strategies across several categories: structural and institutional strategies, cultural and discourse-based strategies, knowledge-based, educational, and skill-development strategies, motivational and incentive-based strategies, communication and networking strategies, operational and implementation strategies, and policy and governance strategies.
Results: Based on the findings, the existing forward-looking culture, dominated by traditionalism, conservatism, and past-orientation, exposes the organization to strategic surprise. The root causes of this situation lie in structural-bureaucratic factors and knowledge-motivational deficiencies. In response, three operational actions are proposed: establishing a supra-organizational institution for monitoring future developments, implementing strategic dialogue programs for senior managers, and deploying incentive mechanisms for transformative projects.
Keywords
Subjects

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