Grounded theory method application in exploration of organizational culture in a state agency

Abstract

The article explores organisational culture of a public agency in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The study looks at the nature of work; it attempts to explain behaviour and the attitudes of employees towards norms and values in the public agency. Since ethnography is a significant tool to uncover values and underlying assumptions in culture, ethnographic anonymous interviews were conducted. For data analysis, method of Grounded theory was applied. This allowed gaining comprehensive data from informants.Uncovered characteristics of the culture within the agency and personnel attitudes deserve management attention. Within the staff, three subcultures with dissimilar values and attitudes are identified. They share the same concerns such as overtime work and reorganisation policy, however, with dissimilar attitudes to ongoing situation. These two features of current organizational culture caused unhealthy atmosphere in the organization. The study presents essential information on dynamics within the state organization. The research provides the information basis for employers, HR managers to understand the importance of working with organizational culture during organizational change.