What are the shared beliefs and values that shape the behaviors and practices within an organization, often referred to as its underlying assumptions?

The shared beliefs and values that guide how people act in a company are called its culture. They are the ideas everyone assumes are true, like teamwork, innovation, or safety, and they influence everyday decisions. Because these assumptions feel natural, employees follow them without needing explicit rules. For example, a culture that values curiosity will encourage employees to experiment and share ideas freely. Thus, culture is the invisible set of norms that shape an organization’s actions.