LO2 - Deciphering Organizational Culture through Artifacts

• artifacts 


  The observable symbols and signs of an organization’s

  culture.
• Observable symbols and signs of culture:​

  • Physical structures, ceremonies, language, stories.​
  • Maintain and transmit organization’s culture.
• Need many artifacts to accurately decipher a company’s culture.
• Artifacts: Stories and Legends​


  Social prescriptions of desired (or dysfunctional) behaviour.
• Stories and Legends​


  Realistic human side to expectations.
• Stories and legends are most effective when they:​

  • Describe real people.​
  • Are assumed to be true.​
  • Are known throughout the organization.​
  • Are prescriptive.
• rituals

  The programmed routines of daily organizational life that dramatize the organization’s culture.
• ceremonies 


  Planned displays of organizational culture, conducted specifically for the benefit of an audience.
• Language:

  • How employees address others, express emotions, describe stakeholders, etc.​
  • May occur naturally by employees or deliberately reinforced by leaders.
• Building structures 


  may shape and reflect culture.
• Office design conveys cultural meaning.​

  • Furniture, office size, wall hangings, friezes.