![]() Another good example is organized workforces who wear uniforms which are a direct depiction of their collective value system and mission. Think McDonalds for instance, you won’t find their employees flipping burgers in suits! They are dressed in business casual work attire that best represents the company’s value system. The manner in which employees are dressed can have quite an impact on how an organization’s culture is perceived. Layers of Iceberg Model of Culture 5.1 Surface Level Culture 5.1.1 Dress code and appearance of employeesĪn employee dress code and overall appearance is a direct visual representation of an organization’s core mission and values as per the iceberg theory in organization and management. To ensure that employees adapt to change, stay proactive and work at their productive best, leaders need to identify not just tangible but unaddressed issues that can be a dampener as well. The iceberg model in leadership depicts the correlation between effective leadership, communication and enhanced productivity based on trust, transparency and flexibility. This promotes a more positive organizational culture. For instance, when considering a new IT migration, a progressive organization would think it’s essential to understand what kind of changes employees are expected to make, how they accept these changes and if they are sustainable for growth. Instead of using benchmarks such as targets achieved, turnover, attrition rates and more, the iceberg cultural model explores unspoken reasons beyond the figures and feedback such as why employees are underperforming or leaving- is it due to inefficient work planning, micromanagement, workplace politics, lack of skills. The most important aspect of this is to understand how changes in mergers, policies, technology, hierarchy or goals can impact the culture of an organization and in turn employees This is especially true when an organization is considering change management. The iceberg model of culture or theory can be used as a standard to assess if your organization’s collective cultural values align with set goals and standards for effective growth. Why is the Iceberg Theory Important to an Organization? The hidden or internal aspects typically comprise beliefs, values, opinions, preferences and other intangible drivers that drive the organizational culture at a subconscious level. The visible section may include external aspects such as level of employee interactions, company attire, technologies used, and languages spoken. Based on the analogy of an iceberg that has both a visible and hidden portion, this model assesses the effectiveness of an organization’s visible and hidden cultural elements. The iceberg model of culture is a detailed structure of parameters that helps you determine the quality of your organizational culture. A positive organizational culture is typically rooted in best practices that leads to enhanced productivity, higher employee engagement and retention. ![]() This is not a documented policy but a perceived reflection of an organization’s worth or identity. Organizational culture refers to a set of values, beliefs, behavioral traits and social interactions that defines the collective image of an organization. Let’s dive in to know more on what is the iceberg culture model. What drives the organization’s mission and growth? What collective values and mindset sets its employers apart from any other unit? How does the workforce feel about changes in the organization? These are just some of the essential questions that an iceberg model of culture provides insights to solve problems and make effective decisions. The iceberg model of culture helps address the finer nuances or hidden aspects that can help a company grow holistically. While organizational culture can be a great influencer for employee engagement, productivity and their overall working experience. When translated in corporate lingo, that means that there is more to an organization’s culture than how it looks or portrays itself through a logo, company page or social media handle. How is an iceberg related to culture? The iceberg theory is a metaphor that helps you understand that there is more to something than what meets the eye.
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