Option Software Inc. Organizational Culture Optio Software Inc. provides software solutions that enable organizations to increase speed, accuracy, functionality and quality in document processes. These processes include procure-to-pay, order-to-cash, manufacturing, and various healthcare processes. The company was founded in 1981 as Technology Marketing, Inc. and later changed its name to Xpoint Corporation. Xpoint developed FormsXPress, one of the first industry-leading forms automation products. In 1997, Xpoint changed its name to Optio Software, Inc. The following year it established a European subsidiary in Paris. Since then, Optio has opened sales branches in the UK and Germany. According to the Organization Culture Inventory (OCI); Optio Software Inc. has an overall passive/defensive style. This cultural style is oriented towards promoting people's behavior and safety. During this analysis, Optio's most influential cultural traits included Approval, Competitiveness, Convention, and Dependence. According to OCI descriptions, "an Approval culture often avoids conflict, and interpersonal relationships are pleasant, at least superficially. Members feel they are expected to agree, earn approval, and be liked by others." As an employee of Optio Software, I see the effects of this cultural trait every day. There seems to be a sense of fear in disagreeing with the "system" at Optio. Employees have concerns but there is no constructive way to voice those concerns. Often, employees are asked to submit ideas and recommendations for change and improvement, but these requests are usually not met, due to the culture of approval that exists with Optio. Employees are unwilling to face the repercussions of going against the “system.” The second most important OCI characteristic of Optio Software was competitiveness; located in the Aggressive/Defensive styles. According to OCI descriptions, "A competitive culture is one in which winning is valued and members are rewarded for outperforming others. Members operate in a "win-lose" framework and believe they must work against (rather than with) their peers to get noticed. (Turn work into a competition; never look like you're losing)" I believe this feature is destructive to the work environment at Optio Software. This particular culture was implemented by a VP of Sales. While this organizational characteristic can be successful in sales, it is not conducive to the growth of an information technology team. Often, sales staff work alone with the goal of individually meeting a particular revenue amount dictated by a sales manager. However, in the I/T industry, employees often work together to achieve team goals set by a manager.