Reference #200: The First 90 Days
Culture is a consistent set of patterns people follow for communicating, thinking, and acting. It is grounded in their shared assumptions and values.
Culture is generally multilayered, where the more foundational layers are not directly visible.
Symbols and shared languages are at the top of the pyramid. These lay above the less visible cultural elements of organisational norms and patterns of behaviour.
Hidden at the base of the pyramid are the fundamental assumptions about how the world works and the shared values of the organisation. These reinforce all the other elements in the pyramid.
Watkins. The First 90 Days, 2013. (30-31)