Discussion Topic 5 Prompts

Prompt 1: What did you learn about organizations, and/or the behavior of individuals
within an organization? How do the ideas presented in Part Five (the Symbolic Frame)
of the B&D textbook enrich your understanding of the ways in which organizations and
the people working in them function?

It was interesting to learn that myths, values, and stories underlie the majority of
an organizations culture and mission in the symbolic frame (B&D, p. 243). Myths and
legends, in fact, can even trump the truth about an organization because “myths are
truer than true” (B&D, p. 244). This shapes organizational behaviors, impacts the
workplace atmosphere, creates traditions, and guides rituals. In this frame, the vision of
a company “is a shared fantasy, illuminating new possibilities within the realm of myths
and values” (B&D, p. 244). The symbols within an organization have such a powerful
impact that permeates practically every aspect.

The symbolic frame presents organizations as a stage where “each type of

institution espouses its own myth and dramatizes its own aspects of structure” (B&D, p.
286). Organizational structure in this frame is approached as a “stage design: an
arrangement of space, lighting, props, and costumes that make the drama vivid and
credible to its audience” (B7D, p. 285). Management is viewed as a performance where
image must be maintained and impressions managed (B7D 293). It was interesting to
read about how in the symbolic frame that because the appearance of an organization
is judged by others according to the performance they expect, alignment in production
and presentation is important.

Prompt 2: How can you apply the concepts that you have learned about in the
readings to your personal or organizational life? Be specific.

At Starbucks, people know exactly what to expect: friendly customer service, an

inviting atmosphere, and a tasty beverage. I had a district manager mention during a
meeting that our customers have an expectation of their experience at Starbucks and
it’s our job to deliver that experience. This reminds me exactly of the symbolic frame: we
must create a performance that aligns with the expectations set by the audience (B&D,
2017, p. 294). Often it’s said that when we walk through the door of our workplace that
we leave our day at the door, put on our apron and get ready to give the best customer
service experience despite what is going on in our personal lives. To me, this requires
us to play a role set apart from whatever our day has made us to be. We walk on to the
stage and give a grand performance.

Prompt 3: Take a look at the Week 5 Video Clips content area. It’s your turn to talk
about your life and any meaningful personal connections you care to make about the
symbolic frame. Comment on your life, the videos, and whatever connections strike
your fancy!

In “Fighting Cancer with Dance”, Ananda talks about the importance of a certain
symbol that brought her hope during her fight with cancer: Durga. She talks about the
goddesses fearlessness, and the prayer/metaphor she learned when she was young
that helped empower her through her battle with cancer. She talks about the power of
something being so moving that something as strong as cancer can become
insignificant. There is power in an image.

I can’t say that I have a symbol or metaphor in my own life like Ananda did;
something that has carried me through hard times. However, there are pieces of music
that carry significant emotion for me. Music is a symbol that can evoke emotion,
whether it be empowerment, hopefulness, happiness, or sorrow, people are moved by
music. Some even say it has carried them through difficult times in their life. Music, as
Durga did for Ananda, is a symbol strong enough to impact our lives and carry us
through our toughest times.

Prompt 4: Throughout your progression in the Organizational Leadership program, you

have had a number of courses that include content complementary to the Symbolic
frame. Please highlight what you would consider to be two of the most important things
(ideas, concepts, theories, models, processes, skills, etc.) that you have learned in
previous coursework that you can relate to the Symbolic frame. Briefly discuss each
key learning, the course where you learned it, and its connection with the Symbolic
Frame.
The course that stands out to me for the symbolic frame is BIS 343, or Social
Processes in Organizations. This course emphasized “the interdisciplinary nature of
social processes and human interactions across a number of different organizational
contexts” (welcome page). Through the course content we learned how our behaviors
impact our organization and studied the importance of cohesiveness on a team. We
learned about how symbols and culture draw people together and how they can
significantly impact a work environment. This is directly correlated with the symbolic
frame and how myths, stories, symbols, and theater underlie all parts of an
organization.

Frame or Reframe an Organization from a Symbolic Perspective

Prompt 5: How do matters that pertain to the Symbolic Frame work in an organization
with which you are affiliated? What sorts of symbols, myths, stories, heroes or rituals,
etc. exist and what is their impact? What is the organizational culture (even if you are
talking about a family or team)?

At Starbucks the green apron is a symbol of community, kindness, friendliness,

welcoming, a smile, and a great cup of coffee. The green apron is a symbol of our
mission and values and when we put it on, we are to embody our company values and
provide the Starbucks Experience. It’s a symbol that signifies our identity with the
company; it’s not just a smock to keep us from getting dirty…it’s who we are completely.

Another symbol that is significant in our company is our siren. You know when
you see the white circle with green siren that you count on getting what you know. The
siren represents a reputable name where people can get the same order in Montana
that they get every day back home in New Hampshire. The siren represents comfort,
familiarity, and home for a lot of people. When you see the siren, you know what exactly
what to expect.

The Starbucks culture is saturated with stories of who we are as a company. The
story of Howard Schultz venturing to Italy and falling in love with their espresso bars;
stories of supporting the coffee communities that supply our beans; stories of hiring
refugees and military members. Our culture is built on kindness, caring and
community…just like the stories reflect. When the stories of our company show such
compassion and zeal for what we do, how can we not also embody the same
principles?

Prompt 6: Additionally, with respect to your organization, identify a metaphor for

“as it is” and “as it might become”. Discuss this briefly.

As it is: a hot mess

As it might become: a well oiled machine

Three weeks ago the store I now work at had it’s grand opening. We have
partners from different stores as well as brand new partners. Our store is beautiful,
brand new, and in a great location. Our team, however, is a mess. With everyone being
trained at different stores and coming from different stores, they all follow different
standards, routines, and schedules for tasking. It’s taking a significant effort to get
everyone on the same page and functioning cohesively. Once we get our team all on
the same page, we can become an unstoppable machine!