OGL 481 Pro-Seminar I:

PCA-Symbolic Frame Worksheet

Worksheet Objectives:
1. Describe the symbolic frame
2. Apply the symbolic frame to your personal case situation

Tyler Mire

Complete the following making sure to support your ideas and cite from the textbook and other
course materials per APA guidelines. After the peer review, you have a chance to update this and
format for your Electronic Portfolio due in Module 6.

1) Briefly restate your situation from Module 1 and your role.

My role in the organization was as an intern. I was primarily a commercial real estate
intern that rotated throught the different sections of the real estate process such as project
management, assest management, acquisitions, and financing. The situation I am
describing is when the organization was remodling one of its older storage
sites in Utah. The goal was to make the facility and units more accessible, add more
units, remodel the units to make them air conditioned, and to build a three storied
bulidning that can be seen from the freeway. The problem was during construction we
had a materials shortage that hindered progress.

2) Describe how the symbols of the organization influenced the situation.

The symbols of an organization can have a significant impact on the situation of a lack of
resources. These symbols can shape the beliefs and attitudes of employees, customers,
and other stakeholders, influencing their perceptions of the organization's priorities,
values, and capabilities. It is important for organizations to carefully consider the
messages they convey through their symbols, and to align them with their goals and
values, especially in the face of challenging circumstances.

In a situation of a lack of resources, the symbols of an organization can either help or

hinder efforts to address the challenge. My organization's symbols emphasize innovation
and growth, employees and customers may expect the organization to be well-resourced
and able to overcome obstacles. If the reality is that the organization is facing a lack of
resources, this can lead to disappointment and a loss of confidence.

3) Recommend how you would use organizational symbols for an alternative course of
action regarding your case.

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 I would emphasize flexibility and adaptaibility in my orgabnizational symbols. It is
important to show the orgnaizations ability to adapt to change and find creative solutions
through messages that highlight resilience and innovation. I would also send a message
that fosters collaboration and teamwork. This would encourage employees to work
together to find alternative sources of materials. By using these symbols and messages
effectively, an organization can shift the focus from a lack of resources to a positive,
proactive approach to addressing the challenge.

4) Reflect on what you would do or not do differently given what you have learned
about this frame.

Now that I have learned about this frame, I would use symbols and messages to communicate
a clear, consistent message about the organization's priorities, values, and capabilities, and
ensure that this message is consistent across all channels of communication. I would also be
aware of the impact of symbols on stakeholders and be mindful of the impact of symbols on
the attitudes and behaviors of employees, customers, and use symbols to foster positive
attitudes and behaviors that support the organization's goals.

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 Reference or References