Chapter 10 - Exploring Mitchell University as an Encultured Organization

Cerise L. Glenn

Synopsis

Kandi is considering attending Mitchell University (MU), a fictitious Historically Black College and University (HBCU). After researching the programs at MU, Kandi decides to visit the university to meet with current faculty and students. After talking with a professor, she starts to learn about some potential tensions related to culture that can exist in predominantly Black organizations. As she learns about the racial and ethnic dimensions of these tensions, she also ponders some of the gender-related issues.

Keywords: Encultured Organization, Historically Black College and University, Predominantly

White Institution, Race in Organizations, Gender in Organizations

Key Takeaways and Take a Stand Form

Key Takeaways

After completing the case:

  1. Students will learn about the notion of an “encultured organization” to explore how aspects of racial/ethnic culture can be embedded within educational institutions, specifically Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly White Institutions.
  2. Students will think about how other aspects of culture, especially gender, influence organizing processes in universities.
  3. Students can connect the notion of encultured organizations to critical and feminist approaches in managerial and organizational communication.
  4. Students can discuss how culture influences how they negotiate their current educational institutions.
  5. Students can discuss connections between educational culture, personal culture, and desired experiences (or skill sets) for their current and/or future jobs.

Take a Stand Form