Organisational culture: The Clan organisational culture

In the blog last week, we explored an overview of the Quinn and Cameron organisational model. This week we shall investigate what is meant by the Clan cultural style.

An introduction to the Clan organisational culture

This type of culture is common in start-ups, family businesses, and small enterprise organisations. They pride themselves on their flexibility in relation to customers or clients while being internally focused on employee welfare. This internal orientation establishes a friendly working environment in which employees come to feel that they have a lot in common with each other.

Consequently, mutual commitment is strong and loyalty is highly valued. Significant emphasis is also placed on teamwork, active participation, flexibility, and a commitment to maintain harmony through constantly seeking consensus when faced with challenges.

Moreover, the management style prioritises the promotion of efficiency and smooth cooperative relationships. This is enhanced by continuous positive supportive feedback while challenges are discussed collectively in open forums.

Employee motivation is based on a combination of long-term employment contracts and a strong sense of belonging to the team.

---

Question 1

To what extent are these organisations able to attract highly qualified employees?

Question 2

Can such organisations ever offer employees long-term training and development opportunities?

Question 3

Might some people prefer the relative comfort of a more hierarchical and structured workplace?

---

We shall explore Question 3 in the next blog.

Reference

Cameron, K. S., & Quinn, R. E. (2011). Diagnosing and changing organizational culture: based on the competing values framework (3rd Ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.