Thoughts - IIM Bangalore : Cultural Analysis

What is the Culture at IIMB and how is it formed? This is something I wondered about and based on some research documented some of my thoughts. It did help that I had to submit a project report and I could use this topic and corresponding research for that :)

For any organization, more than the physical infrastructures like buildings and machinery, underlying principles, beliefs, values and vision of various elements provides a unique identity to the entity. These abstract aspects of any organization collectively are known as the culture of that organization. IIM Bangalore as an organization is no exception to this fact. Buildings with beautiful architecture, state of art class rooms and other infrastructure is not what makes it such a coveted institute of higher learning. The accolades and illustriousness that the institute has earned are more because of the inherent culture of the institute. Ideas vision and philosophy of faculty and student together make the foundation of this great institute.

The culture at IIM Bangalore can be considered to be a balanced mix of various form of culture. These forms can be classified as in following paragraphs.

Adaptability Culture is first among all the building blocks of the overall culture of this place. The ceaseless endeavour to gain insight into functioning and academics of some of the best institutes of the world with international exposure programmes, keeping up with use of latest technology in teaching methods and regular updating the curriculum shows the aim of adapting to the external environment as a means of achieving the goals of the institute.

The whole institute and its elements work tirelessly to achieve the common goals and vision of the institute. The faculty of IIMB is constantly imparting the students with capability of being world leaders capable of handing the complexities that various positions in business and societies present to managers today. This forms the mission culture of the institute.

Clan culture is one of the foundation stone behind the working of IIM Bangalore. Every realm of academic and social life involves participation of faculty and students equally. The existence of academic council, placement committee and other such components showcase the involvement of students in various activities of the institute.

Although their exists active involvement of various elements which make up IIMB, to maintain a consistency in operations and discipline in functioning there are some administrative offices and positions which ensure that a processes follow proper procedures and protocols. Strict guidelines and rules have been laid down. Sacrosanct deadlines and rules against plagiarism are examples of bureaucratic culture of IIMB.

All these beliefs and understandings have not developed abruptly. The integral integration and external adaptation through all these years have helped grow this institute and develop a niche in the field of management education. Experiences through the decades of existence of the institute, suggestions and feedback from various components of the institute and sense of improvement and competition have helped develop the culture of IIM Bangalore and turning it into a dynamic and fruitful environment to spend time in where young mind are made to think as leaders and develop into good citizens.

Various rites, ceremonies and symbols have been a major contributor of development of culture and transfer of this culture from one time period to another. New batches of students arrive and join this institute every year and become a part of its culture. Some of the rites that are part of IIMB are:

Rites of Passage involve helping transfer of existing culture to new elements of an organization and are a vital process for sustainability of any culture. The orientation week where various activities are conducted to introduce the incoming batch to IIM Bangalore and facilitate interaction among the new entrants on the campus and with their environment helps them becoming a part of the culture of IIMB.

Rites of Enhancement are another feature of IIM Bangalore. The elements of the institute which perform and present high standards in their respective fields are awarded with accolades and honoured for their contributions. Students are included in directors merit list and various scholarships are awarded for academic performance which is a major part of enhancement activities.

Feedbacks regarding the courses taken from students, interaction with eminent personalities from industry and emphasis laid on international exposure are a part of broad objective of continuously renewing the culture with inputs from the environment and internal elements. These rites of renewal make IIM Bangalore a dynamic and developing culture.

Collaboration among various entities is an important aspect of any culture and IIMB excels in it. Interactions among students, student faculty interaction, and interactions between students and administration are some of the key features of life at IIMB and these are rich contributors to the culture and serve as rites of integration within the institute.

Apart from other features of the culture of the institute lie the ethical values and sense of social responsibility which is deeply embedded within the members. Student body, called Vikasna, has been involved with various activities for helping the underprivileged and the destitute. The ‘code of honour’ developed by the Student Affairs Council further demonstrates the high moral standards set up by the students for themselves.

These ideological aspects of the institute serve to be the unifying factor among various elements of the institute. The importance given to the brand name of IIM Bangalore, and the common feeling of pride with everyone receives the accolades awarded to the institute is all because of this cultural strength of the institute.