Organizational culture is the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and practices that define an organization. It is a critical aspect of any business because it shapes the way employees behave, interact, and make decisions. Organizational culture can be observed through different indicators that help to understand the values, norms, and practices of the organization. In this article, we will explore the observable indicators of organizational culture and how they influence the behavior of employees.

1. Communication: Communication is a significant aspect of organizational culture. It is the way information flows within an organization. The way communication is done within an organization reflects its culture. Communication can be formal or informal, verbal or written, and can be in any language or style. A culture that values transparency, openness, and honesty will encourage clear and direct communication. On the other hand, a culture that values hierarchy and power will have communication that is more formal and top-down.

2. Leadership: Leadership is another vital indicator of organizational culture. The way leaders behave, interact, and make decisions sets the tone for the entire organization. Leaders play a crucial role in shaping the culture of an organization. A culture that values innovation, creativity, and risk-taking will have leaders who encourage and support these values. In contrast, a culture that values stability and predictability will have leaders who prioritize these values.

3. Employee behavior: Employee behavior is a key indicator of organizational culture. The way employees behave, interact, and make decisions reflects the values and norms of the organization. A culture that values teamwork, collaboration, and respect will have employees who demonstrate these values in their behavior. In contrast, a culture that values individualism and competition will have employees who prioritize these values.

4. Organizational structure: Organizational structure is another significant indicator of organizational culture. It refers to the way an organization is designed and organized, including its hierarchy, departments, and reporting lines. A culture that values flexibility, adaptability, and innovation will have an organizational structure that supports these values. In contrast, a culture that values stability and predictability will have an organizational structure that prioritizes these values.

5. Symbols and artifacts: Symbols and artifacts are physical elements that represent the values and norms of an organization. They include things such as logos, dress codes, and office design. Symbols and artifacts can be powerful indicators of organizational culture. They can create a sense of belonging and identity among employees. A culture that values creativity and innovation may have a unique and creative office design, while a culture that values tradition and history may have a more traditional office design.

6. Work environment: The work environment is another critical indicator of organizational culture. It refers to the physical and emotional conditions in which employees work. A culture that values work-life balance may offer flexible working hours and a relaxed work environment. In contrast, a culture that values hard work and dedication may have a more intense work environment.

7. Decision-making: Decision-making is a crucial aspect of organizational culture. It refers to the way decisions are made within an organization. A culture that values collaboration and consensus-building will have a decision-making process that encourages these values. In contrast, a culture that values speed and efficiency may have a decision-making process that prioritizes these values.

8. Employee engagement: Employee engagement is the degree to which employees are committed to their work and the organization. It is an essential indicator of organizational culture. A culture that values employee engagement will have policies and practices that encourage and support employee engagement. In contrast, a culture that does not prioritize employee engagement may have high turnover rates and low morale among employees.

Organizational culture is a critical aspect of any business. It shapes the way employees behave, interact, and make decisions. There are various observable indicators of organizational culture, including communication, leadership, employee behavior, organizational structure, symbols and artifacts, work environment, decision-making, and employee engagement. Understanding these indicators can help organizations to shape their culture and create a positive and productive work environment.