Distinguishing organizational culture and climate in military leadership

Organizational Climate & Organizational Culture

Climate and culture describes the environment in which a leader leads (U.S. Army, 2011). Hence, both environments have long-lasting effects on individuals, albeit morale or performance. An institution shapes the culture of major elements that are predicated on a macro level. Conversely, direct leaders shape the climate (command) of units and organizations, thus focusing on a micro level. Importantly, leadership at either level conveys the overall organizational culture, which is then disseminated to the individual units that shape the respective climate. Depending upon the leadership, levels may be either align or be misaligned. With respect to the Army, a differentiation between culture and climate is paramount to understanding the dynamics of various roles.

Organizational Culture

Military culture shapes its soldiers. Chiefly, culture is a longer lasting and more complex set of shared expectations than climate. Culture consists of the shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterize the larger institution. Deeply rooted, the Army's culture propagates long-held beliefs, customs, and practices. Soldiers garner strength becoming part of a long-standing tradition. Becoming part of something bigger is as a catalyst for honorable service. Soldiers join the Army to become part of a values and tradition-based culture. While the Army Values help deepen existing personal values, such as family bonds, work ethic, and integrity, it is tradition that ties Soldiers and their families into military culture (U.S. Army, 2011). Meaningfully, traditions and customs serve to remind Soldiers of the institution's culture that connect the past, present, and future. For example, the uniforms, the ceremonial music, the soldiers' salute, military titles, organization's history, and the Army values are reminders of a place in history. Provided a sense of belonging, the military continues to live in many veterans. For many soldiers, military service remains the single most significant experience of their lives.

Conclusion

With respect to the Army, a differentiation between culture and climate is paramount to understanding dynamics of various roles. Through leading by example, teaching, and upholding traditions, leaders ensure that the Army's culture becomes an integral part of every member of the Army team and adds purpose to their lives. Additionally, leaders have much influence by establishing a climate that instills the culture. Soldiers look to leadership for guidance and oftentimes, purpose to serve the humanity. Hence, leaders ensure fairness, open communication, and a learning environment conducive for a soldier's growth and development, thus rendering loyalty and a continuation of contributions to an illustrious history of military service.