The Workplace And Your Place Within It

Whether you work in an office or a factory, a hospital or a loading dock, your workplace has its own traditions, codes of conduct, and atmosphere. Your co-workers may represent family to you, while your bosses serve as mentors. Like families, there are two basic kinds of workplaces: the functional and the dysfunctional. Knowing which category your workplace falls into will enable you to better understand the culture of your organization and develop ways to work within that culture in order to improve your personal status.

The Functional Workplace

The functional workplace stresses cooperative problem-solving, a team-based approach to attacking problems. As a result, the workforce is cohesive; you are considered an integral part of the team. The opinions of each member of the staff are highly regarded, no matter what position an individual holds within the organization. Management recognizes that conflict is inevitable within the workplace and they are prepared to deal with it through the use of consensus-building tactics. Company managers should also realize that employees may adopt a variety of work styles, depending on their individual personalities. The management must respect this fact, rather than force employees to work in a style that makes them uncomfortable.

The functional workplace also has a clearly-defined mission statement that respects the cultural values of staff members. Workplace policies are consistent and enforced in a firm but reasonable manner. The organization should be willing to take risks, without jeopardizing the company's bottom line. In addition, managers must have a clear understanding of the community the business serves. Management instills a level of trust in workers, so that workers feel a sense of security. In short, a functional workplace is like a well-built train that is running on track. Because of its well-crafted design, chances are great it will not be derailed.

The Dysfunctional Workplace

The dysfunctional workplace is like a train that is completely out of control. Problems are never fully resolved-they just seem to grow, paralyzing the organization. The unity of the staff has been shattered, and you may feel that your position within the organization is insecure. In a dysfunctional workplace, bickering between staff members has become routine. Management has become ineffectual and cannot seem to resolve conflict appropriately. Staff members are discouraged from seeking creative solutions to problems that arise.

The mission of the dysfunctional workplace has become muddied; managers have failed to inform staff just what the organization's ultimate goal should be. Company policies are confusing and rarely enforced in a consistent manner. There is a great deal of jealousy among workers, and employees are reluctant to trust their bosses. The general atmosphere in the dysfunctional workplace is chaotic, so, as a worker, you might have difficulty understanding your role within the organization.

Summary

Assessing the organizational health of your business is vital to your career. If you have determined that your workplace is functional, chances are you will have the opportunity to advance within your company. Your work will be valued and you will be treated with respect. If, on the other hand, you are toiling away in a dysfunctional workplace, you have two options: try to change the corporate culture or get out of the organization altogether. You will have to determine whether it's better for you to stay and fight or to seek opportunities elsewhere.

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