Artifacts

Definition

Artifacts are the physical objects, tools, and items created or used by individuals or groups that hold cultural significance and reflect the values, beliefs, and practices of a society. In organizational culture, artifacts serve as visible signs of deeper values and assumptions, helping to shape the identity and behavior of an organization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Artifacts can be tangible items like office layout, dress code, logos, or even company policies that influence the work environment.
2. They serve as a bridge between the visible culture of an organization and the underlying values that drive its operations.
3. Different types of artifacts can include physical spaces, rituals, language, and stories that circulate within the organization.
4. Understanding artifacts is crucial for interpreting the broader cultural dynamics at play within an organization.
5. Artifacts can change over time as organizations evolve, reflecting shifts in strategy, leadership, or societal trends.

Review Questions

• How do artifacts function as indicators of organizational culture?
  • Artifacts function as tangible representations of the underlying values and assumptions that define an organization's culture. They provide insights into how employees interact, what behaviors are encouraged or discouraged, and how the organization presents itself to the outside world. By examining artifacts such as office design, dress code, or corporate branding, one can infer the deeper cultural norms that guide the organization's operations and employee behaviors.
• Discuss the relationship between artifacts and shared values within an organization.
  • Artifacts are closely tied to shared values within an organization as they embody and express those values in visible forms. For instance, a company that values collaboration may have open office spaces designed to promote interaction among employees. By understanding how artifacts reflect shared values, we can better appreciate how they influence organizational behavior and decision-making processes. Changes in artifacts often signal shifts in underlying values or strategic direction.
• Evaluate the impact of changing artifacts on organizational culture over time.
  • Changing artifacts can significantly impact organizational culture by altering how employees perceive their work environment and their roles within it. For example, a shift from a hierarchical structure with closed offices to an open office layout may foster increased collaboration and communication among teams. This transformation can lead to new shared values emerging within the organization. As organizations adapt to external pressures or internal changes, the evolution of artifacts reflects these adjustments, ultimately shaping employee attitudes and behaviors.

Related terms

Cultural Symbols: Objects, gestures, or words that hold specific meanings and represent larger concepts within a culture.

Organizational Rituals: Formalized actions or ceremonies within an organization that reinforce shared values and foster a sense of community.

Shared Values: The core beliefs and principles that guide behavior and decision-making within an organization.