The Westrum Typology
The Westrum Typology is a well-established method of gauging organizational culture and health, especially around communication.
An unhealthy “Pathological” power-based culture is on one end of the spectrum, and a “Generative” performance-based culture is on the other. A "Bureaucratic” or rule-based” culture lies between these poles.
The Westrum Typology helps to broadly categorize organizations. These types can help:
- Understanding constraints
- Identify common problem areas and potential solutions
- Explore accidental versus intentional cultural norms
- Bring organizational and cultural dynamics into broader strategic conversations
Simply having a resonant label for an organizational "vibe" and dozens of interelated communication habits can be helpful for leaders, teams and individuals who value collaboration and continuous improvement, but descriptive labels are just a start. The behavioral elements used to determine the types are, not surprisingly, a first-rate starter list of areas to improve. But first, the typologies need a little more breathing room.
Westrum+1
AgilePoll.Com expands the "middle state" between these typologies. We've found the three types are good conceptual anchors, but adding the transitional states between the types helps clarify areas for improvement.
In our standard rapid assessment, we use six proven questions to determine Westrum type, and add a question to help gauge "team mood" or momentum. This activates the six questions against the momentum metric.
AgilePoll.Com offers team, group, and whole organization anonymous assessments as a service, but we also offer free and low-cost self-assessments that can be a great way to organize your own thoughts and explore this model at the same time.
To try out the self-assessment at no cost, just register for a free account (to reduce bot and deep link traffic) and you'll automatically be taken to our free resource dashboard. Free self-assessments are not stored by us, but you can screenshot, print, or download them.
Our paid plans allow saving, progress over time, and access to premium resources.
Human-Centric AI - a quick note
Does the rapid expansion of AI into previously human-only domains mean that workplace culture is less important? Absolutely not. Whatever an organization's goals are with AI, from embracing to prohibiting it, the organizational culture will set the stage for success or failure.
We have specific offerings to help individuals, teams, leaders and organizations with all aspects of AI readiness, adoption and governance.
Next Steps
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There are many online references for the Westrum Typology. We encourage you to peruse these for foundational information and different perspectives. AgilePoll.Com creates free and premium resources to help our users and customers get meaningful and actionable insights about how to improve or sustain healthy human-centric organizational cultures.