In North American companies, subcultures and countercultures may naturally form on the basis of ethnic, racial, gender, generational, or locational similarities.

Countercultures

Groups in which the patterns of values and philosophies outwardly reject those of the organization or social system.

Subcultures

Groups exhibiting unique patterns of values and philosophies not consistent with the dominant culture of the larger organization or system.

Ethnic

Relating to a population subgroup with a common national or cultural tradition, often characterized by distinct language, culture, and sometimes physical characteristics.