Exploring the Four Levels of Culture: Why Understanding the Hidden Layers is Critical for Business Success
Culture is an essential aspect of any business operation. It is the glue that binds people together and fosters a sense of belongingness among employees. However, culture is not just about perks and benefits. It is a multi-layered concept that consists of both visible and invisible elements. In this article, we will dive deeper into the four levels of culture and explore why understanding the hidden layers is critical for business success.
Level One: Behaviors and Artifacts
The first level of culture consists of visible or tangible elements that can be easily observed. Behaviors and artifacts are examples of these elements. Behaviors refer to the actions or reactions of people, while artifacts refer to the physical objects or symbols that represent the company’s values and beliefs. This level is the most superficial and is often used to represent the company’s culture in the media or to the public.
However, relying solely on this level of culture can lead to a shallow understanding of the company’s values. For example, a company that claims to prioritize work-life balance but requires employees to work long hours may have a superficial culture that does not align with its actual values.
Level Two: Espoused Values
The second level of culture contains espoused values, which are the beliefs or philosophies that a company claims to have. These values are often stated in the company’s mission or vision statements and are used to guide decision-making. However, these values may not always be reflected in the company’s actions.
For example, a company that claims to prioritize diversity and inclusion but has a predominantly homogeneous leadership team may have espoused values that do not align with its actual practices.
Level Three: Basic Assumptions
The third level of culture consists of basic assumptions, which are the underlying beliefs and attitudes that guide employees’ behavior and decision-making. These assumptions are often deeply ingrained and are difficult to change. They are also invisible and may not be explicitly stated.
For example, a company with a culture that values competition and individualism may have basic assumptions that discourage collaboration and teamwork, even if the company claims to prioritize these values.
Level Four: The Core
The fourth level of culture is the core, which is the deepest and most fundamental level of culture. The core consists of the company’s underlying purpose, which goes beyond profits to focus on making a meaningful impact on society. Companies with a strong core are often more resilient and have a greater sense of purpose.
For example, a company that prioritizes ethical and sustainable practices and focuses on making a positive impact on the environment may have a strong core that guides its decision-making and inspires employees to work towards a common goal.
Why Understanding the Hidden Layers of Culture is Critical for Business Success
Understanding the hidden layers of culture is critical for business success because it allows companies to align their values with their practices, build a stronger sense of purpose, and foster a more cohesive and inclusive workplace culture. By understanding the deeper levels of culture, companies can also identify areas for improvement and create meaningful change.
For example, a company that values diversity and inclusion but struggles with implicit bias may use this understanding to develop training programs or policies that promote diversity and reduce bias.
In conclusion, culture is a multi-layered concept that goes beyond surface-level behaviors and artifacts. To truly understand a company’s culture and harness its power, it is essential to explore the deeper levels of espoused values, basic assumptions, and the core. By doing so, companies can create a culture that aligns with their values, inspires employees, and fosters a sense of purpose and belongingness.
(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)