The influence of organizational and national culture on the acceptance of organizational change: Empirical study in Serbian enterprises

Abstract

Organizational culture is one of the most important factors influencing the process of organizational change. As such it is the object of research and analysis in this paper. Key values held by the employees that impact the formation of organizational culture, as well as the feedback organizational culture has in determining organizational processes are explored. Different relevant classifications of organizational cultures are described depending on research focus. Special consideration is given to the effect national cultural attributes have in this interaction. The specific contribution of this paper consists of presenting a study conducted within a sample of twenty Serbian corporations, in order to identify and examine some specific characteristics of organizational culture generated by the unique cultural attributes of this region. Presented results suggest a bureaucratic organizational culture, dominance of the directive leadership style, and a significant level of resistance to change in domestic corporations. The main goal of the research is to provide evidence for thesis that the process of initiating and implementing organizational changes is determined by national and organizational culture, based on values that promote inclination toward change.

Keywords

• organizational culture
• national culture
• organizational change
• leadership
• values