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

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.

An ESRI employee turns to an internal communication platform to raise awareness on a

workplace concern. He posts research and data found that links the use of ArcGIS
software with potential military/intel organizations. Specifically, the Israeli Defense
Force, using this software in connection to the bombings in Gaza. The post was short
lived and eventually taken down by the HR director. The employee involved then left the
company. Leaving current employees to wonder was this coincidental? When raising
concerns, will they be handled appropriately? Lastly, what systems are in place to ensure
that an ESRI employee can freely voice their concerns without experiencing retaliation?

My role will be that of an Internal employee who reviews the data found by the employee
who posted the discussion. This will then lead to resurface the issue and see how it will
be handled this time.

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

“The science of where” – to emphasize what the company is. Visibility.

The earth symbol in the logo indicates worldwide. A large company rooted all around the
world, but also to re emphasize geo mapping.

I struggled with this section because this organization does not have many symbols that
can be interpreted in other ways. The symbols are straightforward and emphasize what is.
If I had to take a guess and connect symbols to the HR situation I presented in my case,
I’d say that the company values their reputation. The way that ESRI runs their
organization reiterates that reputation is above all else. Without that how with this
organization function or have clientele?

1
 The politics of the organization that had influenced this situation varied from managing
impressions to cultivating networks. Due to ESRI’s global influence, they prioritize the
impression of their company and hold their reputation high doing anything necessary to upkeep.
One of ESRI’s highest priorities is to grow by cultivating networks. It is not surprising that
government contracts are included in clientele.

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

I don’t think I would change the symbols that ESRI currently has because they aid in
understanding what the organization does and is. In creating a workplace where inclusion
and diversity are prioritized the breakrooms or office spaces could be revamped with
visual posters/quotes. Maybe create a “We listen” contact where an employee can voice
any concern choosing to remain anonymous if they would like to as to eliminate the fear
of retaliation. The type of business that ESRI is seems to be more IT related and geared
towards science. This singular approach lacks approachability and does not challenge
employees to grow in the realm of communication.

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

As mentioned in question three, creating actual change would be hard due to the type of
organization ESRI is. I believe they are running the organization effectively, but the
symbols make sense for the business. I struggled with connecting this frame to my
situation I’m wondering if I’ll have to go back to the chapter readings and see if I can
make more sense of it.

Reference

Company | About Esri. (n.d.). Www.esri.com.

https://www.esri.com/en-us/about/about-esri/company