What is the iceberg theory of culture?

In 1976, Edward T. Hall suggested that culture was similar to an iceberg. He proposed that culture has two components and that only about 10% of culture (external or surface culture) is easily visible; the majority, or 90%, of culture (internal or deep culture) is hidden below the surface.

What is the main idea behind the Iceberg Theory?

The Iceberg Theory is a style of writing created by author Ernest Hemingway. He believed that eliminating details that writer and reader inherently know, the story will strengthen. “Only 10-20% of the story is directly revealed through prose.

What does culture iceberg mean?

Culture is very similar to an iceberg. It has some aspects that are visible and many others that can only be suspected, guessed, or learned as you grow to understand cultures. Like an iceberg, the visible part of culture is only a small part of a much larger whole.

What does the Iceberg Theory say?

Definition. If a writer of prose knows enough of what he is writing about he may omit things that he knows and the reader, if the writer is writing truly enough, will have a feeling of those things as strongly as though the writer had stated them.

What is an example of the Iceberg Theory?

Imagine you’re floating on the Titanic and about to hit an iceberg. It doesn’t seem that big – actually it’s only half the size of the boat. No big deal, our boat is much larger so it shouldn’t be an issue….. actually what you forget to realise is that you can only see what’s on the surface.

Why is the cultural iceberg important?

Organizations can use the Iceberg Model to develop a deeper understanding of cultural differences and behavioral competence in teams. This will help understand how to solve complex problems by changing aspects of behavior that may be hidden but are still important.

Why is the iceberg A good analogy for culture?

The iceberg provides a useful analogy. The small ‘tip of the iceberg’ that can be seen above the water level represents visible cultural elements. The 90% of the iceberg that remains unseen below the surface represents the hidden cultural differences.

What is an example of a cultural iceberg?

The most important part of culture is internal and hidden (Hall, 1976). For example, one can observe that parents give their children pocket money. This would be situated above the waterline in the iceberg model. This behaviour can be linked to the cultural value of “independence” when raising children.

What are the three 3 pillars of the iceberg model of culture?

Strategy, leadership, and culture are like the three fundamental pillars that define the success of any organization.

Who created the iceberg theory?

Iceberg Model of Culture

What does being a iceberg mean?



an emotionally cold person

Definition of iceberg



Informal. an emotionally cold person.