Case Study_cisico

Renne Mayorga

BA 433 Org. Behavior

Case Study

Cisco Systems Uses Its Culture for Competitive Advantage

1. According to Kreitner & Kinicki an observable artifact is the physical manifestation of an organization’s culture. Examples of theses artifacts include manner of dress, awards, myths and stories told by the firm like a ritual or ceremony of some sort. In other words these types of artifacts are visible components of a culture. Espoused values, on the other hand, can be summed up as the firm’s ethical practice, which helps draw the company’s vision. Lastly the basic assumptions are the underlying assumptions that seem to overtake the firm’s core from an outside point of view. Southwest Airlines is a great example the text used. SW Airlines is known to provide exceptional customer service while keeping their employees content. As stated, Rivelo’s 15-minute speech elaborating Cisco’s complex structure or the three-worded summary of his management system “speed, skill & flexibility” could be taken as examples of both observable artifacts and espoused values. While Cisco’s new business direction in the last decade could very much lay the foundation of the assumptions from the public’s point of view.    
2. Cisco’s framework was based from a hierarchical structure prior to 2001. This framework cause the firm from innovating themselves so they would be able to become more adaptive and flexible to new markets. After going through a major overhaul, Cisco seems to now possess traits of both market (vision to appeal to new markets) and adhocracy cultures (flexibility and little bit of independence).
3. “Our vision and strategy – to become our customers’ most strategic business partner by delivering intelligent networks and technology and business architectures built on integrated products, services, and software platforms – is in our view, enabling our customers’ success, as well as our own.” 2013

Cisco’s vision statement perfectly explains my reasoning in the previous question. Cisco made changes to their management framework in order to strive for the best interest of their customers, clients and employees.  

1. For one Cisco’s leadership by Rivelo was major part of the firms’ current success. Another technique the helped Cisco become a Fortune 500 company was rebuilding/redefining its core culture (laying the groundwork for new/current employees helped them reach their full potential all the while ultimately setting the firm up for success).
2. I personally would love to work for Cisco. I feel Cisco is a great example of what a company should do when times change (change too [innovate/restructure from the inside out]). As for the actually part of working, I’m a huge fan of the pay grade found at Cisco. At my current job (Banker @ Core Bank), we work as a team to reach sale goals and in return receive incentives & etc. Sadly, many bank employees aren’t motivated to reach sales goals. But the few that are it’s a beautiful thing when we come together to accomplish team/personal goals by simple teamwork.