Systemic culture views culture as a system comprised of interrelated, interconnected parts that create a whole.
Drawing from systems theory, systemic culture recognizes that visible patterns of behavior are merely the surface expression of deeper, often unseen structural systems and dynamics. Think of it like an iceberg:
- Above the Waterline: These are the observable behaviors, actions, and rituals within a group, organization, or society. This is what you see.
- Beneath the Waterline: This represents the deeply rooted structural systems, beliefs, values, norms, power dynamics, and historical factors that contribute to and drive the visible behaviors. This is what is often hidden but fundamentally influences the surface.
The reference emphasizes that while we see the behaviors at the top of the iceberg, we often do not see what contributes to those behaviors. Systemic culture focuses on understanding these underlying elements and how they interact as a system to produce the cultural environment and its visible outcomes.
Key Aspects of Systemic Culture
Understanding culture systemically means looking beyond individual actions to the underlying structures that enable and reinforce them.
- Interconnectedness: All elements of the system (beliefs, structures, rules, relationships, history) are linked and influence each other. A change in one part can affect the entire system.
- Holistic View: Culture is seen as a complete entity, not just a collection of random behaviors. The 'whole' system is greater than the sum of its individual parts.
- Rooted Structures: There are deeply embedded structures, often historical or institutional, that shape cultural norms and practices.
- Below the Surface: The most powerful drivers of culture reside in the invisible, foundational elements.
Visible vs. Underlying Elements
Consider the difference between what is easily observed and what lies beneath:
| Visible (Above Waterline) | Underlying (Beneath Waterline) |
|---|---|
| How people act in meetings | Decision-making structures |
| Communication styles | Power dynamics, trust levels |
| Dress code, office layout | Values about formality, hierarchy |
| Stated rules and procedures | Unwritten norms, beliefs about authority |
| Employee interactions | Relationships, psychological safety |
| Customer service approach | Core values, reward systems |
Based on reference: "What we see at the top of the iceberg are the behaviors; we do not see what contributes to those behaviors."
Practical Implications
Applying a systemic view to culture helps in identifying the root causes of issues and designing effective interventions.
- Problem Solving: Instead of just addressing problematic behaviors, one looks for the underlying systems (structures, beliefs, incentives) that produce those behaviors.
- Change Management: Sustainable cultural change requires addressing the structures and norms beneath the surface, not just trying to modify visible actions.
- Understanding Dynamics: Helps explain why certain patterns persist even when individuals change, because the underlying system remains the same.
By understanding culture as a system of interrelated parts, we gain a deeper insight into why things are the way they are and how to foster meaningful change.
