Title: The reflection of power culture through physical environment in the workplace: a case study of Vietnamese small enterprises

Authors: Hai Thi Thu Tran; Thi Minh Ngoc Luu

Addresses: University of Economics and Business, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam ' International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam

Abstract: In this paper, the authors study the characteristics and reflection of power culture through physical environments in five Vietnamese small enterprises using qualitative research design. Raw data was collected from 35 interviews with key members from these organisations. Findings show that the Vietnamese companies have characteristics of power culture that were expressed through the workplaces. First, in power culture, the physical environment reflects the vital role of managers. The feature of few rules, regulations and feedback-oriented culture are signalled by factors of workplace layout. Besides, the companies are characteristic of close power relationship. Respondents reported that shared offices between managers and staff as well as barrierless physical space indicated the feature.

Keywords: organisational culture; power culture; physical environment; small enterprises; Vietnam.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWE.2023.134531

International Journal of Environment, Workplace and Employment, 2023 Vol.7 No.2, pp.148 - 163

Received: 23 Jun 2023
Accepted: 05 Aug 2023
Published online: 26 Oct 2023 *

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