Surface level

Definition

Surface level refers to the observable aspects of an organization's culture, such as rituals, symbols, and behaviors that are easily seen and identified. These elements provide a glimpse into the deeper values and beliefs that shape an organization, making it essential for understanding how culture influences behavior and decision-making within a company.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Surface level elements are often the first things new employees notice when they join an organization, providing a way to quickly assess the culture.
2. While surface level aspects can indicate the broader organizational culture, they do not fully capture the underlying values and assumptions that drive behavior.
3. Leaders can influence surface level elements through strategic changes in rituals or symbols to help shift the overall organizational culture.
4. Surface level culture is often assessed through employee surveys or observations during onboarding processes.
5. Understanding surface level culture is important for organizational change efforts because it helps identify areas for improvement or alignment with desired cultural attributes.

Review Questions

• How can understanding surface level culture help leaders make informed decisions about organizational change?
  • Understanding surface level culture can provide leaders with insight into the current state of an organization’s environment by highlighting observable behaviors and symbols. By assessing these elements, leaders can identify areas that may need change or reinforcement to align with the organization's goals. This understanding helps in crafting initiatives that resonate with employees and effectively support cultural transformation.
• Discuss how surface level elements might differ between subcultures within a larger organization and what implications this has for overall organizational culture.
  • Surface level elements can vary significantly between subcultures within a larger organization, reflecting different values or norms that exist in those groups. For instance, one department may prioritize teamwork and collaboration, exhibiting strong rituals around group achievements, while another might emphasize individual performance. These differences can lead to misalignment within the overall organizational culture, potentially causing communication issues or conflict if not managed effectively.
• Evaluate the role of surface level artifacts in shaping employee perceptions of organizational culture and their impact on engagement levels.
  • Surface level artifacts play a crucial role in shaping employee perceptions of organizational culture by providing visible cues about what is valued within the organization. These artifacts can include everything from office design to company rituals. When employees feel positively about these visible aspects, it can enhance their sense of belonging and engagement with the organization. Conversely, if there is a disconnect between what is projected on the surface and the underlying culture, it may lead to dissatisfaction and disengagement among staff.

Related terms

Organizational Culture: The shared values, beliefs, and norms that shape the behaviors and practices within an organization.

Subculture: A smaller culture within a larger organizational culture that may have its own distinct values and behaviors.

Artifacts: Visible, tangible elements of an organization's culture, including dress code, office layout, and published materials.