Professor Anat Rafaeli researches organizational symbols. In her research, uniforms are defined as organizational symbols. Symbols represent ideas, and uniforms are used to communicate the ideas an organization feels are important. Uniforms are defined as a "standard set of clothing." Types of organization include hospitals, businesses, schools, social groups and the military. People that wear uniforms include medical personnel, hotel staff, police officers, maintenance personnel and students. Organizations use uniforms to communicate, to resolve serious issues and for identification.