Cultural web
The cultural web is a framework associated with Johnson and Scholes for analysing organisational culture. It places the organisation’s underlying paradigm—its taken-for-granted assumptions—at the centre of six linked elements: stories, symbols, rituals and routines, power structures, organisational structures and control systems. These elements reveal and reinforce what the organisation values in practice. Comparing the existing web with a desired culture helps identify why a proposed strategy or change may meet resistance.
Worked example
A company announces that customer service is its priority, but rewards staff only for sales volume and celebrates stories about aggressive selling. Its control systems and stories reinforce a sales-first paradigm. Changing the slogan alone will not establish a service culture.
Common mistake
Do not stop at listing visible symbols. Explain how the elements connect to underlying assumptions and affect the particular strategy or change.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | BT | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |
| ACCA | SBL | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| FIA | FBT | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |