Final answer:
Loose cultures are marked by flexibility in social norms and lack strict social control, while tight cultures have strong expectations and enforce conformity. Diverse teams in loose organizational cultures can foster greater innovation, in contrast to tight cultures that may inhibit it. Culture affects every aspect of society, including workplace culture, subcultures, and countercultures, each with their own norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Loose cultures and tight cultures are terms used to describe the degree of rigidity or flexibility within a society's norms and expectations. Loose cultures are characterized by weak social ties and a lack of strict social control, resulting in a society that may find it difficult to enforce norms consistently across all groups. In contrast, tight cultures have strong social norms and expectations with less flexibility, leading to a high level of conformity and regulation of behavior.
In the context of organizational culture, a company with a tight culture may prioritize maintaining the status quo and hire individuals that fit within their already established norms, potentially stifling growth and innovation. Conversely, an organization with a loose culture might embrace diverse teams that can produce more innovative solutions due to the variety of perspectives and competing ideas. This diversity can be crucial for an organization's success and bottom line.
We all operate within the cultural norms and standards of our society; for example, the expectation to high five someone in a casual greeting or to give a brief reply to the question, "Hi, how are you?" In different cultures, these norms can vary significantly, indicating whether a culture tends to be looser or tighter.
On an individual level, someone can be a part of subcultures or countercultures that have their own set of beliefs and behaviors, which can be specific and consistent. This reflects how culture, as a shared system of beliefs, values, and practices, permeates different aspects of life, from minority cultures to professional environments.