Can you explain why these types of organizations have specific organizational cultures? Why does a high risk organization have a "baseball team culture", for example? Why does one go with the other?
People who work in a high-risk organization are usually having fun and enjoy the adventure of a risky job.
My son started as an engineer in a couple of start-up companies. But as they folded and he matured, he began working in more stable organizations.
Organizations, including high-risk ones, develop specific organizational cultures based on various factors. A high-risk organization typically exhibits a "baseball team culture" due to several reasons that intertwine with each other.
1. The nature of work: High-risk organizations deal with challenging and risky tasks where team members must work together closely, communicate effectively, and trust one another to ensure the successful completion of their missions. This parallels the dynamics of a baseball team, where teamwork, coordination, and reliance on one another are crucial for winning games.
2. Common goal and shared responsibility: Much like a baseball team aiming to win a championship, high-risk organizations have a common goal that requires collective effort. The safety, success, or achievement of their mission often hinges on the cooperation and commitment of every team member. This creates a sense of shared responsibility and camaraderie, similar to how baseball teams work towards their shared objective of victory.
3. Adaptability and resilience: High-risk organizations must be agile and adaptable to evolving situations, just as a baseball team adjusts its strategies during a game. They need to be able to respond quickly to unforeseen circumstances, make split-second decisions, and recalibrate their approach. This necessitates a culture that values flexibility, resilience, and the ability to work effectively under pressure, qualities commonly found in baseball teams.
4. Trust and support: Within a high-risk organization, trust is crucial as team members often rely on each other's expertise, judgment, and support to manage risks effectively. Likewise, the strong bonds and trust-building activities seen in a baseball team, such as team-building exercises, practice sessions, and shared experiences, contribute to an environment where individuals rely on and support one another.
In summary, a high-risk organization's "baseball team culture" aligns with the nature of their work, a common goal, the need for adaptability and resilience, and the importance of trust and support. These factors intertwine to create an organizational culture that fosters unity, teamwork, cooperation, and the ability to face challenges head-on.