Cultural web analysis is a tool that can be used to examine the underlying assumptions, beliefs, and values that shape an organization's culture. Tesco is a multinational grocery and general merchandise retailer that operates in 12 countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and China. In this essay, we will conduct a cultural web analysis of Tesco to explore the various elements that make up the company's culture and how they influence its operations and decision-making processes.
The first element of the cultural web is the stories that are told within the organization. These stories can be about the company's history, its values, or its vision for the future. At Tesco, one of the stories that is often told is the company's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Tesco has a long history of supporting local communities and promoting environmental sustainability, and these values are reflected in the company's actions and policies.
The second element of the cultural web is the symbols that are used within the organization. These symbols can be physical objects, such as logos or uniforms, or they can be intangible, such as the way that decisions are made or the way that employees are expected to behave. At Tesco, one of the symbols that is often used to represent the company's culture is the Tesco logo, which is a combination of the letters "T" and "E" with a small circle in the middle. This logo is used on everything from the company's storefronts to its advertising materials, and it serves as a constant reminder to employees and customers of the company's values and mission.
The third element of the cultural web is the power structures that exist within the organization. These power structures can be formal, such as the hierarchy of management, or they can be informal, such as the networks of relationships that exist between employees. At Tesco, the power structure is primarily formal, with a clear hierarchy of management and a chain of command that is followed by employees. However, there are also informal networks of relationships that exist within the company, and these can sometimes have a significant influence on decision-making and policy.
The fourth element of the cultural web is the control systems that are used within the organization. These control systems can be either formal or informal, and they are used to ensure that the organization is running smoothly and efficiently. At Tesco, the control systems are primarily formal, with a range of policies and procedures in place to govern the way that the company operates. However, there are also informal control systems at work within the company, such as the way that employees are expected to behave and interact with each other.
The fifth element of the cultural web is the rituals and routines that are followed within the organization. These rituals and routines can be either formal or informal, and they can include things like meetings, training sessions, or social events. At Tesco, there are both formal and informal rituals and routines in place, including regular meetings and training sessions for employees, as well as social events and activities that are designed to build camaraderie and foster a sense of community within the company.
In conclusion, cultural web analysis is a useful tool for examining the underlying assumptions, beliefs, and values that shape an organization's culture. By conducting a cultural web analysis of Tesco, we can see that the company's culture is built around a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, and is supported by a range of symbols, power structures, control systems, and rituals and routines. This culture influences the way that the company operates and makes decisions, and is an important part of what makes Tesco a successful and respected organization.
