How can organizational culture be defined?

Organizational culture can be defined as the shared values, beliefs, and behaviors within an organization that shape its social and psychological environment. This definition captures the essence of how culture influences the way employees interact with each other and with external stakeholders. It reflects the underlying norms and expectations that govern behavior within the organization, which in turn can impact employee motivation, collaboration, and overall performance.

This understanding of organizational culture is critical because it affects various aspects of the business, including communication patterns, decision-making processes, and how the organization adapts to change. A strong organizational culture can foster a sense of belonging and commitment among employees, while a weak or misaligned culture can lead to disengagement and high turnover.

Other options focus on aspects that do not encapsulate the concept of organizational culture as fully as the correct answer does. Personal interests and hobbies are too individualistic and lack the collective aspect of culture. Formal policies and procedures are specific guidelines set by management and do not encompass the broader, more intrinsic elements that define cultural identity. Competitive strategies relate more to the organization's market positioning than to its internal social framework. Therefore, the definition provided in the correct choice effectively represents the comprehensive nature of organizational culture.