The observable symbols and signs of an organization's culture are called?

Artifacts refer to the visible, tangible elements of an organization's culture that can be observed and experienced. These include physical items such as office design, dress code, formal rituals, and organizational logos, as well as more abstract aspects like company values communicated through slogans or mission statements. Artifacts serve as the first level of cultural understanding because they are the most immediately apparent features and can provide insights into the values and assumptions that shape the underlying culture of the organization.

Cultural formatting, cultural decor, and cultural design are not recognized terms specifically associated with describing the observable components of culture in an organizational context. These terms do not capture the broad scope of visible manifestations of culture, thus making artifacts the correct term for this concept.