How is organizational culture socially constructed by employees in an international company? A case study of a Finnish SME entering the Swedish market.

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Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

School of Business | Master's thesis

Authors

Date

2024

Department

Johtamisen laitos

Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

People Management and Organizational Development

Language

en

Pages

57 + 10

Series

Abstract

In this thesis the social construction of organizational culture amongst employees is investigated. The scope of the study is an international context, where the case company is a Finnish Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) expanding into the Swedish market. The study consists of a qualitative research, where the aim is to deeply understand how employees in each respective country perceive the culture to be constructed. Drawing upon theories of organizational culture, national culture and multinational strategies, the research examines how individual within the case company will actively contribute to the shaping of the culture in the process of internationalization. By doing in-depth interviews, the study uncovers what aspects will influence the organizational culture. As expected, leadership and internal communication will play significant roles. The findings of the study highlight the dynamic nature of organizational culture, as there are many factors that will in-fact influence the perceived culture. Between behaviors internally and the external national context, the culture will form. Values that employees have will also affect strongly how they feel about the culture.

Description

Thesis advisor

Koveshnikov, Alexei

Keywords

culture, construction, organizations, leadership

Other note

Citation

Permanent link to this item

https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202405193394

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[gradu] Kauppakorkeakoulu / BIZ