Edgar Schein (Edgar H. Schein)

Edgar Schein was a pioneering psychologist and organizational expert who studied how organizations function and how people behave within them. He is best known for his work on organizational culture—shared values, beliefs, and practices that influence behavior in workplaces—and on leadership. Schein believed that understanding these cultural elements helps leaders manage change, improve teamwork, and create healthier work environments. His insights help us see organizations not just as systems of tasks but as communities shaped by underlying assumptions and shared understandings, which deeply affect their success and adaptability.