Values relate to mission statements, objectives, logo corporate dress code and so on. They can also be referred to as high profile symbols. Taken for granted assumptions, also referred to as low profile symbols include stories, organisational practices, organisational jargon, physical symbols, rituals and routines. The two are related but the former may refer more closely to culture as guiding best practice while the latter may relate more closely to the ways in which organisations are distinguished from each other.

Models of culture could include those suggested by Handy, Trompenars and Deal and Kennedy.