This week, you studied academic culture through an anthropological lens. You explored the variety of cultures that make up a single institution, and you learned about the value added by their interaction. You also read in depth about at least one culture of your choosing.
Bergquist talks about “managing polarities” (or conflicts) between cultures. He claims that each culture has an interdependent culture, one with opposing values and perspectives (as portrayed in the multimedia piece). Think about the two interdependent cultures that you chose to read about.
By Day 3
Post your response to the following:
- How does the tension between the two cultures you studied add value to the institution?
- Should such conflicts be managed and, if so, how? What are some strategies that you would use to resolve the conflicts?
Required Readings
Tierney, W. G. (2008). The impact of culture on organizational decision making: Theory and practice in higher education. Sterling, VA: Stylus.
- Chapter 4: “Academic Work and Institutional Culture: Constructing Knowledge”
Bergquist, W. H., & Pawlak, K. (2008). Engaging the six cultures of the academy. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
- Introduction
- Chapter 7: “Bridging the Gap”
- Appendix I: “Academic Cultures Inventory”
- Appendix II: “Marking Key for the Academic Cultures Inventory”
- Select one culture described in Chapters 1-6 to explore in depth; also read about its interdependent culture, as described in Chapter 7. Briefly review the remaining four chapters (cultures).
Required Media
Apex State University: Academic CulturesThe “cultures” at Apex State University have assumed opposing, but interdependent, positions on the globalization of the curriculum. Learn more about the cultures’ positions as you place them in relationship to each other.
