The Role Culture is a bureaucracy with a highly formalized structure, often with many hierarchical layers. Employees are expected to do the job assigned to them, no more, no less. These organizations are effective in stable environments, but are slow to respond to change. Employees may enjoy a feeling of job security, but may be frustrated because individual initiatives may not be rewarded and may even be discouraged. The role culture is symbolized by a Greek temple because organizations with a role culture are often old and associated with government and public services.

A Person Culture exists in organizations where individuals are more concerned about their own work than that of the organization as a whole. University professors, for example, must pursue research and publish articles in order to succeed. Their responsibilities to their employer may come after their own work.

Professional partnerships such as law firms and architectural firms may also resemble person cultures. These organizations are notoriously difficult to manage, as members may be unwilling to compromise their own interests, careers and values for the sake of the organization. The person culture is represented by stars (individuals) grouped in a constellation (the organization).

Task Cultures are organized in order to get the job done. Teams are formed, disbanded, and reformed according to the projects to be accomplished. Power flows naturally to those individuals who are most able to drive the team towards the end result. Formal roles are of secondary importance.

The Task Culture can be effective, but it can also be destabilising for those who prefer a more stable environment. The task structure can also be a problem when difficult decisions must be made. The task culture is symbolized by a net, as all individuals in the team are linked to each other.