What are observable artifacts in an organization?

Observable artifacts in an organization are the tangible and visible elements that provide insight into the company's culture. These artifacts can include a variety of physical symbols, such as the layout of office space, dress codes, published values and missions, rituals, ceremonies, and overall organizational branding.

By observing these artifacts, individuals can gain immediate insights into the underlying values and beliefs that drive the organization's culture. For instance, an open office layout might suggest a culture of collaboration and transparency, while formal dress codes could indicate a more traditional or hierarchical environment.

In contrast, elements like invisible values, formal policies, and employee tendencies do not provide the same clear, observable insights into the culture. Invisible values are internal beliefs that may not be readily apparent to outsiders; formal policies tend to convey rules and regulations without reflecting the lived experience of the organization’s culture; and employee tendencies focus more on behavior rather than the visible manifestations of the broader cultural context. Hence, the correct choice encapsulates the concept of artifacts being easy-to-see manifestations that represent and communicate the culture within an organization.