Organizational culture refers to a system of shared meaning that distinguishes the organization. This system of shared meaning includes values, beliefs, and assumptions that characterize the organization. Six primary characteristics seem to capture the essence of an organization’s culture:

Adaptability. The degree to which employees are encouraged to be innovative and flexible as well as to take risks and experiment. Detail orientation. The degree to which employees are expected to exhibit precision, analysis, and attention to detail. Results/outcome orientation. The degree to which management focuses on results or outcomes rather than on the techniques and processes used to achieve them.

People/customer orientation. The degree to which management decisions consider the effect of outcomes on people within and outside the organization. Collaboration/team orientation. The degree to which work activities are organized around teams rather than individuals.