Artifacts and Patterns of Behavior

Organizational culture is made up of cultural paradigms which are often unseen. However, they can be examined through artifacts and patterns of behavior. Artifacts are material and nonmaterial objects that intentionally or unintentionally communicate information related to an organization’s technology, beliefs, values, and norms. Material artifacts can include documents, physical objects in the organization, furnishings, and required dress code. Nonmaterial artifacts can consist of organizational stores, ceremonies, awards, and leadership styles. Patterns of behavior are practices that an organization does in order to reinforce an organization’s beliefs and norms, such as team meetings and training programs.  Artifacts and patterns of behavior are vital to culture and organizational culture, as these two attributes consider what is “right” and what is “wrong” in that specific culture. The Bible says, “They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them” ( Christian Standard Bible, 2017, Romans 2:15). This verse is important to consider as it discusses God’s law, and how it is there for individuals to know what is right and what is wrong, similarly to culture. Culture is a way of life and serves as a guide to help individuals of that culture to act appropriately.