ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Organisational culture
In Handy's classification of organisational cultures, which culture is characterised by a small central source of power, such as an owner-manager, with decisions made quickly and informally through personal influence?
Power culture is the correct answer. Handy describes it as a web with power concentrated in a central figure, such as an owner-manager, so decisions are quick and informal, driven by personal influence rather than by formal rules or procedures.
- APower cultureCorrect
- BRole culture
- CTask culture
- DPerson culture
Explanation
Handy's power culture is symbolised by a spider's web, with control radiating from a central figure. Role culture relies on formal rules and defined job descriptions, so it is the opposite of personal influence. Task culture is team and project based, and person culture exists to serve the individuals within it.
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