Author Archives: ck153244

One of the many stories that frames the character of my current organization is the struggle to eliminate the Workfare Employment Program (WEP). This campaign dates back to the founding of my organization called, Community Voices Heard (CVH). CVH is a nonprofit that was founded in 1994, by a small group of mothers on welfare fighting the city for a voice.

Their primary reform campaign was WEP. This workfare program, spearheaded by Mayor Rudolph Guliani, abused workers who are required to work for nothing in order to receive benefits [and still does today]. The story of these mothers is the spirit of the organization. My work actually does not involve this project as CVH has grown, and today several other projects are in progress. Despite my lack of involvement in today’s WEP campaign, the story of mothers on welfare taking the streets to protest informs the work of every staffer.

– CK

Two qualities make this case important for me. 1) The cultural frames’ strong impact on individual behavior and 2) the amorphous quality of culture that varies depending on the organization. Lehurutshe failed to respond in time, but as we discussed in class he may have made the right decision for him. Despite what we may think about his dishonesty, Lehurutshe was clearly not a good fit for his former company’s culture. My takeaway from this case is that culture naturally selects for the “right fit” in many cases. Popular examples are the finance industry, public sector work, and technology companies. The personality types that are drawn to each industry serve many companies and individuals alike. The matching in this natural selection allows each industry to fulfill its mission with precisely the right personnel in each organization.

– CK