erms of its philosophical perspective, and offer an alternative interpretation of Parker's (1995) findings. To that end, the report will move from an outline of the basic philosophical issues relevant to the analysis, demonstrating recognition of the distinction between ontology and epistemology, summarizing Parker's (1995) research and identifying the philosophical perspective which informed the research.
The report will also offer a critical assessment of Parker's (1995) methods and conclusions. It will provide an alternative philosophical interpretation of Parker's (1995) work. It will be argued herein that Parker (1995) employs an idealist ontology in combination with a nominalist epistemological recognition of the diversity of cultures found in within the target organization. Overall, Parker's (1995) approach is subjectivist, drawing upon ideas advanced by Smircich (1983) which suggest that culture qua culture is something that an organization is and not something that an organization possesses. Consequently, it becomes clear that Parker (1995) is convinced that thee study of culture within an organization must represent efforts to understand significant factions and alliances within the management of the organization using organizational talk and symbolism while recognizing that there are wider social structural categories leading to the recognition that organizations possess not one but many cultures.
Within social science research, Edles (2002) argues that culture has become an important construct which shapes many different research disciplines. Edles (2002) suggests that culture can be used to refer to: 1) humanistic refinement and elite artistic activities; 2) an entire way of life of a people or group; or 3) systems or patterns of shared culture. In terms of Parker's (1995) case study of "Vulcan Corporation," the emphasis is on culture as systems of shared meaning rather than on culture as either an aesthet...