Different scholars have provided various definitions of culture, often reflecting their disciplinary perspectives and the specific contexts they study.

Key Insights

• General Definition of Culture:
  • Culture is often defined as a system of signs and symbols that distinguish it from nonculture. It is seen as a subset organized in a specific manner, always requiring an opposition to nonculture to be understood
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• Organizational Culture:
  • Scholars in sport psychology and organizational studies define organizational culture as the shared values, beliefs, and practices within an organization. This culture influences behavior and can be studied through various methods
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  • In military organizations, corporate culture is shaped by national, historical, and social factors, and it can be classified into flexible and hierarchical models
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• Political Culture:
  • Political culture is recognized for its dynamic and static elements, reflecting the relationship between political entities and the state. It can be studied at individual, institutional, and community levels
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• Educational Context:
  • In the context of foreign language education, culture is divided into objective (tangible artifacts) and subjective (beliefs, values) components. The integration of cultural elements in language instruction is emphasized
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• Innovation and Culture:
  • Cultural values significantly impact a nation's innovative strength. Different cultural frameworks, such as those by Hofstede and Schwartz, highlight the relationship between cultural characteristics and innovation
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Conclusion

The definitions of culture vary widely among scholars, reflecting the complexity and multifaceted nature of the concept. Whether viewed through the lens of general societal norms, organizational behavior, political systems, educational settings, or innovation, culture encompasses a system of shared symbols, values, and practices that distinguish one group from another.