How to apply Anthropology for an Organization

How to apply Anthropology for an Organization

Anthropology, the study of humankind across cultures and societies, offers a unique perspective to understanding organizations.  Organizational anthropology, a branch of applied anthropology, examines social structures, cultures, and behaviors within organizations.

Here are some ways anthropology is used in organizations:

-          Understanding company culture:  Anthropologists can help assess an organization's culture, including its values, beliefs, rituals, and symbols. This can help leaders develop more effective strategies and improve employee relations.

-          Improving communication:  By understanding how people from different cultures communicate, anthropologists can help organizations develop more effective communication strategies.

-          Managing change:  Anthropologists can help organizations manage change by understanding how employees will react to new policies, procedures, or technologies.

-          Resolving conflict:  Anthropologists can help organizations resolve conflict by understanding the root causes of the conflict and developing strategies for mediation.

 

Anthropology in the workplace

                                      Figure 1: Claude and Dina Levi-Strauss in Brazil- New York Times (It explores questions of authorship, self-image and intimacy in the making of anthropological knowledge)

The workplace, once perceived as a space of pure productivity, has become a complex social ecosystem.  Just as anthropologists delve into cultures across the globe, a new breed of anthropologists are turning their keen eye towards organizations, uncovering the unwritten rules, unspoken values, and hidden dynamics that shape employee behavior and organizational success. This essay explores the multifaceted role of anthropology in the modern workplace, highlighting its contributions to understanding company culture, fostering effective communication, and ultimately, building a more human-centered work environment.

Decoding the Organizational Culture

A core contribution of anthropology in the workplace lies in its ability to dissect and understand company culture.  Unlike a mission statement or list of values, culture encompasses the underlying assumptions, beliefs, and rituals that permeate an organization.  Anthropologists employ ethnographic methods – in-depth interviews, observations, and participation – to uncover these cultural nuances. They observe how employees interact in meetings, navigate office spaces, and celebrate successes.  This holistic approach sheds light on unspoken rules, like preferred communication styles or decision-making processes.  By understanding these cultural intricacies, organizations can develop leadership strategies that resonate with employees and foster a sense of belonging.

For instance, an anthropologist studying a tech startup might observe a strong emphasis on open communication and collaboration.  Employees gather in common areas for brainstorming sessions, and information is readily shared across teams.  This cultural insight can inform the design of the physical workspace, perhaps prioritizing open floor plans and collaborative workspaces. 

 

Bridging the Communication Gap

The diverse nature of the modern workforce presents a significant communication challenge.  Anthropology offers valuable tools for navigating this complexity.  Anthropologists are trained to understand how cultural backgrounds influence communication styles. They can identify potential misunderstandings arising from differing expectations around directness, hierarchy, and feedback.  By analyzing communication patterns within an organization, anthropologists can identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for more effective cross-cultural communication.

Imagine a multinational corporation with a strong North American presence and a newly acquired subsidiary in a collectivist culture.  An anthropologist might discover that direct feedback, common in the North American branch, is perceived as disrespectful in the new subsidiary.  This insight can be used to develop communication training programs that promote culturally sensitive communication strategies, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding.

 

Building a Human-Centered Workplace

Ultimately, the goal of anthropology in the workplace is to create a more human-centered environment.  By understanding employee needs, motivations, and cultural backgrounds, organizations can design policies, practices, and workspaces that enhance employee well-being and productivity.  Anthropologists can play a crucial role in designing incentive programs, performance reviews, and even office layouts that resonate with employees and promote a positive work experience.

For example, an anthropologist studying a manufacturing plant might observe a significant disconnect between the company's stated value of work-life balance and the reality of long hours and limited breaks.  This insight can inform changes to production schedules or the implementation of flexible work arrangements, ultimately leading to a more satisfied and productive workforce.

Incorporating anthropological perspectives into the workplace offers a powerful tool for organizational success.  By understanding the cultural fabric of an organization and the communication styles of its diverse workforce, businesses can create a more inclusive and productive environment.  As the workplace continues to evolve, anthropology's focus on human behavior and cultural understanding will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of work.

 

References

Anon., 2023. www.workdesign.com. [Online]
Available at: https://www.workdesign.com/2023/09/workplace-redux-an-anthropological-approach-to-todays-workplace-design/#:~:text=Moreover%2C%20anthropology%20can%20not%20only,ideas%20and%20behavior%20towards%20work.

Anon., n.d. www.nomadit.co.uk. [Online]
Available at: https://nomadit.co.uk/conference/rai2014/paper/19288