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How do we collect cultural data that is valid and in an ethical manner?
Data collection occurs in all of our lives on a daily basis. The informal ways we collect data are certainly not as obvious as more formal data collection processes, but we are still actively collecting data in our day-to-day lives. In chapter 13 Schein shares some ways that culture is deciphered from the outside through data collection. These data collection methods don’t necessarily indicate what the culture is in its entirety, but they begin to paint a helpful picture for an outsider.
These ways are:
-Visit and observe
-Identify artifacts and processes that are puzzling
-Ask insiders why things are done that way
-Identify espoused values that are appealing and ask how they are implemented within the organization
-Look for inconsistencies and ask what really determines day-to-day behavior
(Schein, 2017, p. 256).
These methods are generally observational, and not regarded as unethical.
In chapter 14 Schein goes into detail discussing more formal methods of data collection, such as surveys and Software-as-a-Service. There are many issues with formal surveys that might yield inaccurate information. Different employees might interpret questions in different ways, employees might not be honest for fear of retribution, or the questions being asked might not have the ability to glean relevant information (Schein, 2017). When more formal data collection methods are utilized, there seems to be much more room for invalid information to be presented, or for the collection process to be unethical. Intentional steps can, and should, be taken to ensure that when surveys are used for data collection that they are used appropriately and with the potential for ethical issues in mind.
Schein, E.H., Schein, P. (2017). Organizational Culture and Leadership. (5th ed). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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