Imagine an organization struggling with internal misalignment and unclear cultural identity. Despite having a solid corporate strategy and advanced technologies, the company finds itself battling inefficiencies, low morale, and high employee turnover. This is where the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) can make a transformative impact. Developed by Kim Cameron and Robert Quinn, the OCAI is a powerful tool for diagnosing and changing organizational culture, helping organizations understand their current cultural dynamics and identify areas for improvement.
The OCAI is based on Cameron and Quinn’s Competing Values Framework, which categorizes organizational culture into four types: clan, adhocracy, market, and hierarchy. These culture types are defined by two dimensions: flexibility versus stability and internal versus external focus. For instance, a clan culture emphasizes collaboration and employee involvement (think Southwest Airlines or Zappos), while a market culture focuses on competition and achieving external results (think Tesla or Uber). By assessing these dimensions, the OCAI helps organizations pinpoint their dominant culture and understand how it aligns with their strategic goals.
Note: Competing Values Framework adapted from Cameron and Quinn
One of the most significant benefits of the OCAI is its ability to highlight discrepancies between the current and preferred culture. Through a detailed survey, employees evaluate six key aspects of their organization: dominant characteristics, organizational leadership, management of employees, organizational glue, strategic emphases, and criteria of success. Respondents allocate points to different cultural descriptions, providing a clear picture of the present state and their desired future state. This data-driven approach allows leaders to make informed decisions and strategically plan for cultural transformation, ensuring that the organization’s culture supports its long-term objectives.
At JW Strategies, we specialize in using the OCAI to help organizations navigate cultural change effectively. Our founder, Dr. Julia Wiener, has extensive experience with this tool, having utilized it in her original research for her Ph.D. dissertation. We guide organizations through the OCAI process, from administering the survey to interpreting the results and implementing actionable strategies. By partnering with JW Strategies, you can leverage our expertise to foster a strong, cohesive culture that drives your organization’s success.
References: Cameron, K., & Quinn, R. E. (2011). Diagnosing and changing organizational culture: Based on the competing values framework. Wiley.