Adaptive organizational culture in the event of change : A narrative literature study

An ever-changing world and environment demands on organizations ability to adapt. Research shows that organizations that can respond adaptively to change have a greater chance of surviving. This study aimed to identify and account for factors in organizational culture that are seen as adaptive. The study was carried out through a qualitative narrative literature study where 11 articles in different research fields were examined. The study identified factors that characterized an adaptive organizational culture. These factors were flexibility, risk-taking, innovation, creativity and openness to change. The study also reports on appropriate strategies and desirable conditions for creating an adaptive organizational culture where the organization is adaptable in relation to its environment. Examples of that are the importance of establishing commitment, involvement, trust, internal adaption and common purpose, when implementing an adaptive organizational culture. Furthermore the role of leadership and the significance of the organizational structure are discussed in relation to adaptive organizational culture. Despite the results of this study, there is a complexity in assessing an adaptive organizational culture and the field requires more research