Culture Basics

This chapter defines culture and explains the different conceptual models developed by key researchers in the field. The authors explain why it is essential for us to learn how to see our cultures. The chapter breaks the conceptual models down into three essential elements, including assumptions and beliefs, values and behaviors, and artifacts. The authors explain why and how each organization's culture is unique – and walk through the factors that influence our organizational cultures. The chapter reminds us that it is hard to deliberately change an organization's culture because it is inherently dynamic. Each organization should strive to understand how these factors affect our organizations.