Option Software Inc. Organizational Culture

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Option Software Inc. Organizational Culture

Optio Software Inc. provides software solutions that enable organizations to increase speed, accuracy, functionality and quality in their document processes. These processes include procure-to-pay, order-to-cash, manufacturing and various healthcare processes.

The company was founded in 1981 as Technology Marketing, Inc. and later changed its name to Xpoint Corporation. Xpoint developed FormsXPress, one of the industry's first leading forms automation products. In 1997, Xpoint changed its name to Optio Software, Inc. During the next year, it established a European subsidiary in Paris. Since then, Optio has established branch sales offices in the United Kingdom and Germany.

According to the Organization Culture Inventory (OCI); Optio Software Inc. has an overall Passive/Defensive Style. This Cultural Style is geared towards Promoting People/Security Behaviors. During this analysis, Optio's most influential cultural traits included Approval, Competitiveness, Convention and Dependence.

According to OCI Descriptions, "an Approval culture frequently avoids conflicts and interpersonal relationships are pleasant--at least superficially. Members feel that they should agree with, gain the approval of, and be liked by others." As an employee of Optio Software, I see the effects of this Cultural trait everyday. There seems to be a sense of fear to disagree with "system" at Optio. Employees have concerns but there is no constructive method of voicing these concerns available. Frequently, employees are prompted to submit ideas and recommendations for change and improvement, by these requests are usually not met, due to the Approval Culture that exists with Optio. Employees are not willing to face the repercussions of going against the "system."

The second highest OCI trait of Optio Software was Competitiveness; located within the Aggressive/Defensive Styles. According to the OCI Descriptions, "A Competitive culture is one in which winning is valued and members are rewarded for outperforming one another. Members operate in a "win-lose" framework and believe they must work against (rather than with) their peers to be noticed. (Turn the job into a contest; never appear to lose)"

I believe this trait is destructive to the work environment at Optio Software. This particular culture was implemented by a VP of Sales. Although this organizational trait maybe successful in Sales, it is not conducive to the growth of an Information Technology Team. Frequently, Sales Personnel work alone with an objective to individually meet a particular amount of revenue dictated by a Sales Manager. However, in I/T, employees frequently work together to accomplish team goals set by a manager.

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