In 1871 the concept of culture was explicitly defined by anthropologist Edward B. Taylor as "that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society."
Do you think this description still fits today?

Culture is a learned behaviour. Gestures that we make are part of that learned behaviour. Using the following list, see if you can come up with a gesture to express the thought. Is it common to all languages and cultural groups? Are there differences?

Are there any that would not be appropriate to use in a workplace, a place of business?

• Yes
• No
• Don't know!
• SSSH! Be quiet!
• Perfect!
• This tastes good!
• This tastes bad!
• Give me two please.
• You're nuts!
• She's now this tall.
• Shoo!
• You are bad!
• Good bye
• Hello
• Come here.

Organizational Culture: Instructor Notes

Mapping Culture & Learning the Ropes

• introduce learners to organizational culture by starting with personal culture
• ask learners to look at the “Iceberg”
• explain what an iceberg is
• explain that learners will write the personal culture words from the bottom of the page in one of two places: above the line (to show that it’s something tangible or physical) or below the line (to show that it’s something intangible)
• allow learners to write the same word above and below the line if applicable
• compare “Icebergs” and discuss any differences in choices
• discuss with learners the importance of the items that fall below the line
• introduce organizational culture by reading the passage provided
• explain any key vocabulary
• ask learners to brainstorm the company’s culture by making a list of what is important to that organization
• discuss which aspects of the organization’s culture would be difficult to work within