What is the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterize an institution or organization?

The correct answer is culture because it embodies the collective behaviors, beliefs, values, and practices that define how members of an organization or institution interact and work together. Culture shapes everything from workplace environment to decision-making processes and influences the overall effectiveness of the organization. In the context of fire departments, culture can significantly impact operational efficiency, teamwork, and how well firefighters adhere to safety protocols and practices.

Tone, while relevant in discussions about communication and atmosphere, does not encompass the comprehensive set of shared beliefs and practices that a culture does. Ethic generally refers more to moral principles or values that guide behavior rather than the broader, shared experience of members of an organization. Character often describes the inherent qualities of an individual or group but does not specifically address the collective environment shaped by shared attitudes and practices.