Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

Which cultural type typically emphasizes an individual’s position within a hierarchy?

1. Role culture

2. Task culture

3. Person culture

4. Power culture

The correct answer is: Role culture

The cultural type that emphasizes an individual’s position within a hierarchy is role culture. In this type of culture, hierarchical structures are well-defined, and each member's role is clearly outlined based on their position within the organization. This means that power, authority, and responsibility can be traced up and down the hierarchy, often creating a structured environment where individuals are expected to adhere to their designated roles. In role culture, the focus is on defined responsibilities and adherence to processes, which fosters stability and predictability. This structure supports organizational effectiveness, particularly in environments where tasks can be standardized and roles clear-cut. The hierarchical nature of role culture reinforces the importance of status and promotes a sense of order, which can be beneficial in larger organizations where coordination among staff is essential. Contrastingly, other cultural types like task culture focus on achieving results through teamwork and collaboration, often disregarding hierarchy in favor of expertise and project needs. Person culture emphasizes the individuals themselves over any structured hierarchy, often seen in organizations where professionals operate more autonomously. Power culture, while also hierarchical, is more about the centralization of power and influence rather than role definition.