Culture and Organizational Culture
Culture is defined as a set of shared values, beliefs, norms and artifacts that are utilized to illuminate a specific environment and serve as a guide for appropriate behaviors. A culture is made up of different traditions, symbols, origin, language, music, clothing, literature, and other attributes which help distinguish one culture from another culture. Organizational culture is defined as a set of shared values, beliefs, norms, artifacts, and patterns that are accepted within an organization. Organizational culture plays a large role in how individuals will look at and understand an organization. It is also important that organizational culture is cultivated, as it promotes a positive workplace, with consistent and authentic behaviors. The Bible discusses the importance of culture as well, stating: “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” ( Christian Standard Bible, 2017, Revelation 7:9-10). This verse is notable in regard to culture, as it discusses how God has chosen and redeemed all who were gathered, those of different nations, tribes, peoples, and languages.
