Reference #482: Organizational Culture and Leadership
Among other subcultures, every organisation contains three generic subcultures: operators, designers, and executives. Without explicit management, misalignment and conflict may arise between these subcultures as they have different functions and face different environmental problems.
"Operators" are at the frontline of work. They produce and sell the organisation's products or services.
"Designers" (or "engineers") are the designers of the technology underlying the organisation's work. They know how that technology should be used.
"Executives" usually comprise the CEO and their executive team. Their worldview is built around the survival and financial health of their organisation.
Schein. Organizational Culture and Leadership, 2017. (221-226)