What is the Three Level Model of Culture? Understanding the Layers of Our Shared Experiences
Have you ever wondered why people from different backgrounds behave in certain ways, or why some companies have a distinct "vibe" while others feel entirely different? The answer often lies in understanding the concept of culture, and one of the most helpful ways to dissect it is through the three-level model of culture. This model, often attributed to organizational psychologist Edgar Schein, breaks down culture into three distinct, yet interconnected, layers: artifacts, espoused values, and basic underlying assumptions.
Think of it like an iceberg. The part we see above the water is just a small fraction of the whole. Similarly, the three-level model helps us see beyond the obvious and explore the deeper, often invisible, forces that shape our beliefs, behaviors, and perceptions.
Level 1: Artifacts – The Visible Manifestations
This is the easiest layer to observe and describe, as it encompasses everything that is tangible and observable within a culture. Artifacts are the outward expressions, the "what" of a culture. They are the things you can see, hear, and touch.
Examples of Artifacts Include:
- Physical Environment: The architecture of buildings, the layout of offices, the decor, the clothing people wear, the technology used. For instance, a company with open-plan offices and casual dress code has different artifacts than one with private offices and formal attire.
- Language and Communication Style: The jargon, slang, the pace of speech, the directness or indirectness of communication. Do people interrupt each other? Do they use a lot of humor?
- Rituals and Ceremonies: Regular meetings, company parties, awards ceremonies, onboarding processes. These are the patterned behaviors that are regularly performed.
- Stories and Myths: Narratives about past events, heroes, and founding principles that are shared within the group. These stories often reinforce values and provide guidance.
- Symbols: Logos, company mottos, even the way people greet each other.
While artifacts are the most visible, they are also the hardest to interpret accurately on their own. Someone from outside a culture might see the artifacts but completely misunderstand their meaning or significance. For example, seeing people in a particular workplace wearing casual clothes doesn't automatically tell you about their work ethic or their underlying beliefs about productivity.
Level 2: Espoused Values – What We Say We Believe
This level delves into the stated beliefs, principles, and values that a group professes to hold. These are the "why" behind the artifacts, or at least, what the group *wants* others to believe is the why. Espoused values are often articulated in mission statements, strategic plans, and public pronouncements.
Examples of Espoused Values:
- Commitment to Innovation: A company might publicly state that they value creativity and encourage new ideas.
- Customer Focus: Businesses often emphasize the importance of satisfying their customers.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Many organizations promote the idea that working together is crucial for success.
- Integrity and Honesty: Ethical conduct is a common espoused value in many professional settings.
- Quality and Excellence: The pursuit of high standards is a frequently stated goal.
The crucial point about espoused values is that they represent what the group *says* is important. However, there can sometimes be a disconnect between what is said and what is actually practiced. This is where the third level becomes essential for a deeper understanding.
"The gap between espoused values and actual behavior is often a source of organizational tension and a key area for cultural analysis."
Level 3: Basic Underlying Assumptions – The Unconscious Beliefs
This is the deepest and most fundamental level of culture. Basic underlying assumptions are the unconscious, taken-for-granted beliefs, perceptions, and feelings that guide behavior and thinking within a group. They are the invisible forces that truly drive how people act and interpret the world around them. These assumptions are so deeply ingrained that they are rarely questioned or even articulated.
Examples of Basic Underlying Assumptions:
- Human Nature: Are people inherently good or bad? Are they motivated by self-interest or a desire to contribute?
- Reality and Truth: How is truth discovered? Is it through logic and data, or through intuition and experience?
- Relationships: How important are hierarchical structures versus flatter, more egalitarian relationships?
- Time: Is time linear and managed, or cyclical and fluid?
- Work and Purpose: What is the ultimate purpose of work? Is it solely for financial gain, or is it about personal growth and making a contribution?
These assumptions are learned over time and are deeply embedded. They influence everything from how decisions are made to how conflict is resolved. For example, an assumption that people are inherently lazy might lead to strict controls and surveillance (artifact), while an assumption that people are intrinsically motivated might lead to more autonomy and trust (artifact).
Interconnectedness of the Levels
It's vital to understand that these three levels are not isolated but are deeply interconnected and influence each other. Artifacts are the outward expressions of espoused values, and espoused values are often attempts to articulate the more fundamental basic underlying assumptions. However, the true power of the model lies in recognizing that the basic underlying assumptions are the most stable and influential layer, and they ultimately shape both the espoused values and the observable artifacts.
How the Levels Interact:
- Assumptions drive Values: Deep-seated beliefs about human nature, for instance, will influence what values a group professes, such as trust or control.
- Values shape Artifacts: A professed value of teamwork might lead to the artifact of open-plan offices and collaborative project management tools.
- Artifacts can reinforce Values and Assumptions: A successful ritual (artifact) can reinforce the belief that collaboration (espoused value) is essential and that people are capable of working together effectively (basic assumption).
Understanding this model is crucial for anyone looking to navigate different cultural environments, whether it's in a new workplace, a different country, or even within their own family. It provides a framework for deeper analysis and more effective communication.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Three Level Model of Culture
How can I identify the different levels of culture in my own workplace?
Start by observing. What are the visible signs (artifacts)? What does management say is important (espoused values)? Then, try to understand the unwritten rules and common ways of thinking. How do people really behave when no one is watching? What are the common complaints or praises? These can offer clues to the underlying assumptions.
Why is it important to understand the difference between espoused values and underlying assumptions?
Recognizing the difference helps explain inconsistencies. If a company says it values innovation but punishes failure, the underlying assumption might be that risk-taking is unacceptable, overriding the espoused value. This understanding allows for more accurate assessment and can guide efforts to create genuine change.
Can the three levels of culture change?
Yes, but it's a challenging process. Artifacts can change relatively quickly, and espoused values can be adjusted through communication. However, changing basic underlying assumptions is the most difficult because they are deeply ingrained and often unconscious. This typically requires significant leadership effort, consistent reinforcement, and often, a crisis or a fundamental shift in the environment.
How does the three-level model apply to national cultures?
The model is highly applicable to national cultures. National artifacts include language, customs, food, and national symbols. Espoused national values are often found in constitutions, national mottos, and political rhetoric. Basic underlying assumptions in a nation relate to fundamental beliefs about government, individual rights, community, and destiny, which have been shaped by history and geography.
