According to Schein, why might a newcomer find it difficult to interpret an organization's culture?

The reasoning behind the idea that a newcomer might find it difficult to interpret an organization's culture primarily relates to the concept of visible artifacts and their often vague or ambiguous meanings. Schein posits that visible elements of an organization's culture, such as dress codes, office layout, rituals, and symbols, can be misleading or lack context for someone who is new to the environment. These artifacts may not clearly convey the underlying values or assumptions that make up the culture, making it challenging for newcomers to grasp the organization's ethos and social dynamics. Without a deeper understanding of what these visible elements represent, newcomers may struggle to navigate the culture effectively.

It's also important to consider that other aspects, such as oral traditions or the emphasis placed by leadership on certain topics, can contribute to the difficulty in interpreting culture. However, the lack of clarity in the meanings of visible artifacts is a significant barrier that directly affects the newcomer’s ability to understand the broader organizational culture right from the start.