Work Culture of a Marketing Company

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to discover the different hidden and unhidden beliefs and values within a marketing company. The company is 52 years old with 150 employees in 4 different offices. The office I observed has 110 employees. Using Edgar Schein’s organizational culture model (1995), I identified four main themes.

MethodsA.  Data collection methods:This qualitative study contained three different methods of data collection:1.  Field Observation: 9 hours, Observer-

Participant role2.  In-Depth Interviews: Four interviews

averaging 45 minutes3.  Textual Analysis: Webpage content

and small documents

B. Data analysis methods:I used Owen’s (1984) criteria of identifying themes in qualitative research (repetition, recurrence, and forcefulness). I also engaged in eclectic coding (Saldana, 2013) to reduce data to its themes.

Findings1. Fun:

•  Humor was frequently used•  Company created rituals like

skits and parties•  Foosball tables, TVs, and a Wii

were present2. Customer-Orientation:

•  “Our clients pay us millions of dollars. They expect something for it”

•  Employees go the extra mile to make a client happy

3. Modernization:•  Every employee has a laptop•  Big push towards digital

marketing4. Giving Back:

•  Frequent participation in charity events

•  Donation jar is present in the front lobby

Schein’s  (1995)  Onion  Model  

DiscussionAchievement Culture: This organization “… [does] things well and values members who set and accomplish their own goals” (Hargie et al., 2009, p. 327).