Understanding The Importance of Schein Culture in the Workplace

Workplace culture is an essential aspect of any organization, as it defines the behavior, values, and beliefs of its employees. It creates a sense of belonging and fosters a positive work environment that encourages productivity, engagement, and creativity. However, establishing a strong culture that aligns with the company’s vision and goals can be challenging.

One approach to creating a successful workplace culture is through the Schein culture model. First introduced by Edgar Schein, a renowned organizational culture expert, the Schein culture model describes the three levels of organizational culture – artifacts, espoused values, and assumptions.

Artifacts

The artifacts level is the most visible aspect of any organization’s culture, comprising the physical items, behaviors, and practices that employees display. Some examples of artifacts include office decor, dress codes, and routines, which reflect the culture’s overt assumptions and beliefs.

For instance, companies with a strong culture of innovation may have open-plan offices, unconventional office layouts, and flexible dress codes that promote creativity and collaboration.

Espoused Values

These are the shared beliefs and principles that guide an organization’s decision-making and behavior. Espoused values are usually documented in the organization’s mission statement, core values, and code of conduct.

Although espoused values should match the company’s culture, there can be discrepancies between the two. In such instances, the policies and procedures may not align with the actual practices of the organization.

For example, a company that prides itself on an inclusive culture may have diversity and inclusion policies in place. However, if these are not enforced, or if culturally inappropriate behavior is ignored, it can lead to a negative work environment.

Assumptions

Assumptions represent the deepest level of culture, comprising the deeply ingrained beliefs and attitudes that govern how employees interact with each other and the organization. These are often undocumented, but they underpin the organization’s values and behavior.

An assumption can be that working excessively long hours is a natural part of the job. It can lead to employees feeling obligated to work more than necessary, leading to a culture of overworking that can harm the individual’s mental and physical wellbeing.

It is essential to identify and address these underlying assumptions, as they dictate how employees view their work and ultimately affect their performance and productivity.

The Importance of Schein Culture in the Workplace

The Schein culture model provides a useful framework for understanding the underlying drivers of an organization’s culture. By examining the artifacts, espoused values, and assumptions, organizations can create a culture that reflects its goals and values, fosters employee engagement, and drives company success.

Schein culture is especially important in a modern workplace due to the rapid changes and challenges faced by companies. An adaptable culture that can respond and evolve to emerging issues, such as the impact of technology or changing societal values, is necessary to remain competitive and thrive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the importance of Schein culture in the workplace is crucial in building a strong, positive, and effective organizational culture. By analyzing the artifacts, espoused values, and assumptions, organizations can create a culture that aligns with its vision and goals, fosters employee engagement, and drives success. Ongoing evaluation and evolution of the culture are needed to create a workplace that is efficient, inclusive, and sustainable.

Speech tips:

Please note that any statements involving politics will not be approved.