Final answer:
To determine an organization's culture, one can study its physical characteristics, observe employee interactions, and interpret organizational stories and folklore.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine an organization's culture, one may study the physical characteristics of the organization, observe how people interact within the organization, and interpret stories and folklore surrounding the organization. Relying solely on what upper management says is not the most reliable means, as it may not always reflect the actual working culture.
Organizational culture encompasses more than just a company's spoken values. It includes observable artifacts, such as symbols, language, narratives, and practices that represent the underlying cultural assumptions. It's best to look for consistent patterns of behavior that align with cultural behavior, as well as to note the shared values and norms. Additionally, an organization's culture can be influenced by its industry and subcultures developed within different departments.