What are the three levels of organizational culture?

The three levels of organizational culture as identified by researchers include visible artifacts, values, and unconscious assumptions.

Visible artifacts are the tangible elements of culture that can be easily observed and include things like the company dress code, office layout, published policies, and overall organizational style. These are the surface-level indicators that can give insights into what the organization stands for and its culture.

Values reflect the deeper aspects of culture, representing the shared beliefs and norms of the organization. They guide member behavior and decision-making, playing a crucial role in shaping the overall direction of the organization. Values are more abstract than visible artifacts and often require some understanding of the organization's objectives to fully appreciate.

Unconscious assumptions refer to the deeply embedded, taken-for-granted beliefs that influence how members of the organization think, perceive, and feel about appropriateness and effectiveness in organizational behavior. These assumptions are often so deeply ingrained that they may go unrecognized, yet they significantly impact behavior and perceptions within the organization.

Together, these three levels create an understanding of the complex nature of organizational culture, illustrating how it operates at both visible and invisible levels. This understanding is essential for anyone looking to navigate or influence the culture within an organization effectively.