The relationship between organisational culture and its national culture: A case study

Organisational culture plays a powerful role in changing organisations. Therefore, it is my contention that a thorough understanding of the fabric of the culture of an organisation and its values will facilitate the initiation and implementation of context-fitted reforms. In addition, understanding organisational culture is vital in seeking new ways for changing organisations in a time of global economy and turbulent policy environment. However, organisational culture cannot exist in a vacuum. It is always embedded into the regional and national culture. What are the similarities and differences between a national culture and an organisational culture? What is the relationship between them? How do the main dimensions of a national culture manifest themselves in and through an organisational culture? These are the core questions this paper tries to explore. A case study concerning the culture of a Chinese university is presented in this paper.