Organizational culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and practices that shape the way people work together within an organization. It is the collective personality of the organization, which reflects its history, traditions, and mission. The culture of an organization influences its employees' behavior, decision-making, and performance, as well as its relationships with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. There are different approaches to describing organizational culture, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. However, the following statement provides a comprehensive and accurate description of organizational culture:

Organizational culture is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that encompasses various dimensions, such as values, norms, symbols, rituals, stories, and artifacts, which are deeply embedded in the organization's context and history. It reflects the shared assumptions and expectations of the members regarding what is important, acceptable, and desirable in the organization, and how things are done. Organizational culture is not something that can be easily changed or controlled, but rather something that evolves over time through the interactions and experiences of the members. It can be manifested in various ways, such as the way people communicate, dress, decorate the workplace, celebrate successes, and deal with conflicts.

Values are the core beliefs and principles that guide the members' behavior and decision-making in the organization. They define what is worth pursuing and striving for, and what is not. Values can be expressed in different forms, such as mission statements, vision statements, codes of ethics, and slogans. Values are not necessarily universal or objective, but rather subjective and context-dependent. Different organizations may have different values that reflect their unique histories, cultures, and environments.

Norms are the unwritten rules and expectations that regulate the members' behavior in the organization. They define what is appropriate and inappropriate, acceptable and unacceptable, in various situations. Norms can be explicit or implicit, and they can be enforced by formal or informal means. Norms can be influenced by various factors, such as the leadership style, the organizational structure, the reward system, and the external environment. Norms can also be challenged and changed through the actions and feedback of the members.

Symbols are the tangible and visible representations of the organization's culture, such as logos, uniforms, buildings, and products. Symbols can convey the organization's identity, values, and aspirations, and they can create a sense of belonging and pride among the members. Symbols can also be ambiguous and open to interpretation, and they can be subject to different meanings and emotions.

Rituals are the repetitive and symbolic actions and events that reinforce the organization's culture, such as meetings, ceremonies, and traditions. Rituals can create a sense of continuity and stability in the organization, and they can also provide opportunities for socialization and bonding among the members. Rituals can also become routine and meaningless, and they can hinder innovation and change in the organization.

Stories are the narratives and myths that illustrate the organization's culture, such as legends, anecdotes, and jokes. Stories can provide insights into the organization's values, norms, and symbols, and they can also create a sense of history and identity among the members. Stories can also be biased and distorted, and they can perpetuate stereotypes and biases in the organization.

Artifacts are the material objects and tools that reflect the organization's culture, such as technology, furniture, and artwork. Artifacts can influence the members' behavior and attitudes, and they can also reflect the organization's level of innovation and creativity. Artifacts can also become obsolete and outdated, and they can hinder the organization's ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Organizational culture is a multifaceted and dynamic phenomenon that encompasses various dimensions, such as values, norms, symbols, rituals, stories, and artifacts. It reflects the shared assumptions and expectations of the members regarding what is important, acceptable, and desirable in the organization, and how things are done. Organizational culture is not something that can be easily changed or controlled, but rather something that evolves over time through the interactions and experiences of the members. Organizational culture can have both positive and negative effects on the organization's performance, and it can be influenced by various factors, such as the leadership style, the organizational structure, the reward system, and the external environment. Therefore, it is important for the organization to understand its culture and to manage it effectively in order to achieve its goals and objectives.