Which statement concerning organizational culture is true?

The statement that organizational culture is a system of symbols, beliefs, values, history, and communication patterns accurately encapsulates the complexity and depth of culture within an organization. Organizational culture is often viewed as the shared understanding or collective mindset of its members, which encompasses not only the belief systems and values that guide behavior but also the symbols (like logos and branding), historical context (such as the organization's founding and major milestones), and communication patterns that shape interactions among employees.

This understanding of organizational culture is crucial because it can significantly impact employee behavior, motivation, and overall organizational effectiveness. A strong and positive culture can foster collaboration, innovation, and loyalty among employees, while a negative or weak culture can lead to disengagement and high turnover rates.

The other statements, while they touch on elements related to organizational dynamics, do not accurately reflect the comprehensive nature of what constitutes organizational culture. For instance, perceptions (as mentioned in the first option) are indeed part of culture but do not capture its full essence. The use of power, the second option, is a component of organizational structure and governance rather than culture itself. Describing predictable stages of development, as referenced in the third option, aligns more with organizational development theories rather than the broader cultural framework. Thus, option