Listed below are what two researchers refer to as specific manifestations of organizational culture.

Enterprises over a period of time illustrate or use these cultural factors to strengthen and perpetuate the culture. Some of the widely publicized firms such as Harley-Davidson, Merck, Nike, Compaq Computer, Intel, Amazon.com, Oracle, Honda, Nestlé, Hershey, and Coca-Cola have distinct and strongly influential cultures.

• Rite —A relatively elaborate, dramatic planned set of activities that combines various forms of cultural expressions and that often has both practical and expressive consequences.

• Ritual —A standardized, detailed set of techniques and behaviors that manages anxieties but seldom produces intended, practical consequences of any importance.
• Myth —A dramatic narrative of imagined events, usually used to explain origins or transformations of something; also, an unquestioned belief about the practical benefits of certain techniques and behaviors that is not supported by demonstrated facts.
• Saga —A historical narrative of some wonderful event that has a historical basis but has been embellished with fictional details.
• Folktale —A completely fictional narrative.
• Symbol —Any object, act, event, quality, or relation that serves as a vehicle for conveying meaning, usually by representing another thing.
• Language —A particular manner in which members of a group use vocal sounds and written signs to convey meanings to each other.
• Gesture —Movements of parts of the body used to express meanings.
• Physical setting —Those things that physically surround people and provide them with immediate sensory stimuli as they carry out culturally expressive activities.

• Artifact —Material objects manufactured by people to facilitate culturally expressive activities.
The instructor will divide the class into groups of five or six to discuss each of the manifestations in terms of: (1) a firm the students have worked in, and (2) a popular firm such as the widely publicized enterprises listed above. The groups should also discuss the following:
1. How managers can influence the cultural factors listed above.
2. Which of the factors listed apply to the school/
university they are now attending.
3. Why culture can influence the morale of employees.
The exercise can be completed in one or two classes (45–90 minutes). After the group discusses the questions and issues in the first class, a second class can be used to review each of the group’s considerations and findings.