Abstract
Purpose – In the knowledge-based environment business firms face today, “high performance”
organization is in popular demand. This paper aims to identify dimensions of organizational culture
that are relevant in creating and maintaining a high performance organization within and across
cultures.
Design/methodology/approach – The hypotheses are tested using the 62-society Global
Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness data on organizational and societal cultures.
The impact of uncertainty avoidance, future orientation, power distance, gender egalitarianism, and
humane orientation values and practices, at the organizational and societal level, is evaluated using
hierarchical linear model methodology.
Findings – Several strategic facets may help develop high performing organizations. First, invest in
the societies where such organizations are common. Second, invest in the societies that have
uncertainty absorbing technological infrastructure and that are culturally sensitive (humane oriented).
Third, invest in one or more of the five techniques that support the practice of high performing
organizations. Fourth, invest in the societal contexts that value gender diversity, as they are more
likely to value a shift towards high performing organizations. Fifth, invest in forming alliances with
the organizations that value gender diversity, future-oriented workforce strategies, and uncertainty
absorbing technological infrastructure, as they are more likely to positively reinforce partner efforts to
become high performing.
Research limitations/implications – A multi-faceted (five strategic facets), multi-dimensional
(five cultural techniques), and multi-level (organizational and societal) approach to the development of
high performing systems will help organizations foster and sustain an open culture, where cultural
sensitivities are addressable through a climate of exchange and mutual give and take.
Originality/value – The paper uses a cross-cultural database to identify the cultural dimensions of
high performance organizational design.
Keywords High performance organization, GLOBE, HLM, Societal culture, Organizational culture,
Organizational performance
Paper type Research paper