The Iceberg Model

Culture can be compared to an iceberg where only the tip can be seen above the waterline, but where the bulk of the iceberg is hidden below the surface.

The cultural aspects that are visible on the surface are typically a mix of easily identified superficial contrasts and indications of deeper laying cultural differences. The remaining part of the iceberg hidden below the surface includes the invisible aspects of a culture such as the values, traditions, experiences, and behaviours that defines it. 

From the model you will see that a relationship exists between the values that appear above the waterline and those that appear below it. In many situations, the invisible aspects directly influence or create the visible aspects.

 A British example of this is the dress code. When working in the professional sector in the UK you are expected to dress formal with a suit and tie. This dress code comes from the underlying British values of Status, Success, and Formality.

Visible & Explicit The tip of the iceberg represents physical differences that are visible and explicit. These are the first differences we notice. When dealing with new cultures it is common to misinterpret these values and see them as more important than they really are. Becoming successful in a new culture requires you to know not only what is different but more so why it is different.   Noticeable but Invisible The second layer of the iceberg model represents cultural differences that we are likely to notice fairly quickly but which cannot be observed by our five senses. These differences are typically related to how we interact and work together, and for example in what we can and cannot say when we socialise and communicate. Concealed & Implicit The deepest layer is the most important layer. It is also the layer that is the most difficult to observe and understand. Good understanding of differences at this level will allow you to start anticipating motivations and reactions from your counterparts - and thus plan your interactions accordingly.

The Culture Class training is designed to mainly address our differences on the two lower layers.