According to Lee
War is the escalation of conflict between or among groups who turn against one another for various reasons. (Lee 5). In an effort to impose one group's authority over another or others, it includes combat and harsh words. Most often, conflict is characterized by the use of weapons and armies raised by one nation against armies of another, either to subdue, repel, or force the other nation to alter its policies with regard to various facets of life, society, politics, or economy. Culture as defined by Lee includes the values and beliefs that have been put on people either by traditions or by the society and environment and that can be socially transmitted (Lee 3).
The Relationship between War and Culture
Such values and beliefs drive people to live, behave and interact in particular ways that might not be necessarily similar to those of other people. Lee insists that cultures do not limit individuals but gives them a scope of choices to select from and abide by, shaping their vision and eliminating confusion that might come up with life's challenges (Lee 13).
Lee further explains an intense relationship between war and culture. According to the literature presented by the writer, war is mostly driven by differences in culture. Groups may differ in religion, political aspects and social and economic ways of life. In this manner, therefore, they may be opposed to the cultures of others and fight against the imposition of the different cultures upon them or the existence of the different cultures. A good example touched on by Lee is Roman Republic's civil wars whereby soldiers developed a culture of getting bonuses, without which they threatened to defect to the enemy's army (Lee 8).
Analyzing Grimsley's Thesis
Organizational culture is key in ensuring either the success or failure of a corporation. Borrowing from the case of Brigadier General Wood, abiding by the culture of an institution has attached results. Wood, according to Grimsley (115), decided to follow the orders of his army boss despite the fact that they were absurd and logically incorrect for the situation at hand. As a result, his troops suffered massive losses in terms of injuries and deaths. Wood, however, cannot entirely be blamed for the losses as he followed orders from above him as was required by his boss' culture, failure to which he would have been reprimanded as previously done.
From an understanding of Wood's experience, Grimsley presents the organizational culture of senior leaders (Grimsley 117). These people can highly influence the performance of their individuals depending on the kind of culture that they impose on them. This is the case especially for institutions or organizations such as corporations and the military that have a hierarchical model of organization (Grimsley 122).
Understanding an Organization's Culture
Cultures are specific to institutions (Grimsley 117). Therefore, to understand the kind of culture in an institution, one has to dig deep into their artefacts, which are the behaviors associated with their work. Examples include dress codes in the office that can portray different images to internal and external clients. Values, both stated and lived, are also crucial determinants of an organization's culture (Grimsley 118). These values create the importance of purpose statements that guide an organization's employees either to succeed or fail in achieving their mission and vision.
Works cited
Grimsley, Mark. "Success and Failure in Civil War Crimes: Clues from Organizational Culture." Warfare and Culture in World History. New York and London: New York University Press, 2011. 115-231. Print
Lee, Wayne. E. "Warfare and Culture." Warfare and Culture in World History. New York and London: New York University Press, 2011. 1-13. Print
