“Organizational culture refers to the shared pattern of beliefs, assumptions, and expectations held by organizational members, and their characteristic way of perceiving the organization’s artifacts and environment, and its norms, roles, and values as they exist outside the individual”(Bowditch, J.L., Buono, A.F., & Stewart, M.M. A Primer on Organizational Behavior, (2008), pp. 320). Now if that is not a laborious definition, then I do not know what is. While this definition certainly works in an overall discussion of culture, it does not clearly construct a strong or realistic enough image of the Miami University culture. So, in hopes of displaying the nuances of Miami’s culture I am focusing an entire series of posts at the tangible and intangible aspects of culture at Miami. In the first couple posts, I plan on focusing directly on micro issues of culture, those being surface cultural identities, with my final posts in this series focusing on campus culture identities and trying to tie some of the micro issues discussed together. While realizing this is a (hopelessly) ambitious approach to blog writing, it is nonetheless my newest series.
Now that is out of the way, let’s talk about one of the most visible aspects of any modern campuses culture: the digital age. We live in the age of instant communication, information, and satisfaction; Miami (or any American university) sits at the apex of such an era. Whether it is cell phones, iPods, laptops, or video game systems, college life is inundated with technology. There are many reasons for this, but two stick out most acutely to me: College students are consistently offered new ideas and seek new ideas; our age demographic spends a lot on personal technology and technological pleasures. As such, part of any university’s identity is technological in nature.
Miami University itself has a great technological network. I have no been in a classroom without the Internet, projectors, computers, and all other sorts of fun gadgets for professors. The university also offers many accessible and powerful online tools, including grade, class, and work decision-support systems, as well as the ability to use incredible technological resources throughout campus. Overall, Miami has a very tech-savvy faculty and campus. Yet this is not the technology I want to focus on, instead I am going to discuss some student technological debate points:
Facebook vs. Myspace: For the high school/college students reading this blog, there is no debate. Yet for all the parents and grandparents catching up with the times, let me initiate you in on a little secret: Facebook won. Overall, Facebook defeats Myspace on many important issues including network, cultural acceptability, and ease of user use. To discuss the first aspect, Facebook runs through a larger network primarily because it treads a thin line between professionally accepted and socially accepted. Myspace, which has a stronger focus on musical information sharing, is seen as less acceptable (except for in the music and film industries). Facebook also is more culturally accepted; both my boss and my little cousin concurrently use Facebook, but in entirely different age, sex, and location demographics. Myspace, on the other hand, has been unable to grab the older age demographic, thus giving Facebook the competitive advantage. Finally, Facebook was created to make even the least tech-savvy individual proficient (me). The interface allows users to alter their information, applications, and pictures in an easy point-n-click style that makes Facebook idiot friendly. Myspace focuses more on artistic ability; users are able to customize their color, style, and background schemas to create an incredibly artistic feel. Myspace also uses an intense amount of coding in messaging, while Facebook restricts users options to make the learning curve much lower. In conclusion, Facebook is a better interface because it is more marketable; more people are able to use it and it is not viewed as culturally taboo, thus allowing for a greater social network and therefore market dominance over Myspace.
Mac vs. PC: (Probably my favorite technological debate) Let me preface by saying that I am incredibly biased in this. Even though I am biased I will try to present both cases fairly and let people to decide for themselves. I also want to point out that I highly recommend all students coming to Miami to look into the “Miami Notebook” program; you will be happy you did.
So let’s talk Operating Systems (OS). Overall PC’s allow for greater maneuverability, accessibility, and customization. PC’s allow users to work with every facet of their design and alter it; the only better OS than PC’s for user autonomy is Linux (which I will not discuss). Mac’s, on the other hand, are created for mass consumer consumption. With an incredibly high customer satisfaction rating, Mac trumps PC because they are incredibly ease to use. This is primarily because Macs have the ability to create very personalized OS styles, with minimal effort or knowledge, and have an incredible support community underneath it all. Mac’s also target the college age demographic because they are chic, sleek, and allow for incredible time saving options. Because of these things, and extensive experience struggling through years of PC use, I am firmly a Mac user. This may seem nonsensical (probably is too) because I am a business student, but the truth is that the business world is adapting to a multi-functional operational network. Though this is my opinion, let me reiterate that my opinion is based off my experience, and the choice is entirely up to you.
Video Game Systems: This discussion will be brief because I am incredibly unfamiliar with video games, except Super Mario World (which I dominate). Let me just say that two major points concerning video games: classics and the Wii. First discussing classic games, these games are still loved universally. Probably the most enjoyed game at any party I have been to date at college is “Super Smash Brothers.” This is primarily because anyone can compete on these easier platforms, and they often allow for infrequent game users to polish off their skills in melee combat. So don’t through away that NES or N64, just wait until college to use it. The second point I want to discuss is the Wii. While Xbox and Playstation have hoarded the market for cutting edge game technology, Wii has created a gaming platform for the multitudes. With easy controls, uses, and games the Wii is truly a gaming revolution. For instance, my little cousins are much better at it than me; my grandmother is also good at it. This shows that while other systems hold true to diehards, the Wii captures public interest.
Well, I hope this first segment of “College Culture and Connections” was interesting and possibly enlightening. I tried to discuss some relevant issues concerning a college student’s life at a campus concerning basic technology (I guess Facebook is technological, right?). Whether I did or not, I want to say two things: first, stay tuned for the next edition (which I think will be the discussion of musical identity, but I am not sure yet); second, please send some love my way. Comments are wonderful, and feedback will always help me better my topics, writing styles, and points. Thanks so much!
this is probably my favorite line.
the only better OS than PC’s for user autonomy is Linux (which I will not discuss).
I didn't know you were familiar with Linux you closet computer nerd, you!
Posted by: Olivia | December 09, 2008 at 11:34 PM