Cultural Clashes Analysis of “Outsourced” Movie Based on Hofstede Dimensions of National Cultures

Hofstede Dimensions

Culture Clash 1

Culture Clash 1 Aunty Ji was confused as to why the Todd was not living with his family, and not seeing them very often.   This culture clash reflects on Individualism and Collectivism dimension of Hofstede Dimensions. India is an example of Individualism because Indians prefer not only close family relationships, but also extended family. Strong sense of family relationship is to be expected from a country such as India (Low Context and High Context Cultures, 2015). On the other hand, America is an example of Collectivism because Americans prefer close family relationships as supposed to extended family relationship.

Culture Clash 2

Culture Clash 2 David orders Todd to lower the MPI number to 6 in the company’s call center in India. Todd replies that there is no way he can do that. From this culture clash we can see Power Distance dimension. David has the authority over Todd, but the authority structure is flexible (Does Your Culutre Distribute Power Equally? A Cross Cultural Theory on Power Distance). Also, Todd is expected, in a low context culture, to show his point of view upon rules and regulations sit by his superior (Low Context and High Context Cultures, 2015). On the other hand, if the same conversation had happened in India, the employees would say nothing to their superior because Indians live in a rigid and authoritative society (Does Your Culutre Distribute Power Equally? A Cross Cultural Theory on Power Distance). Indians living in a high context society are expected to respect authority (Low Context and High Context Cultures, 2015).

Culture Clash 3

Culture Clash 3 Todd saw a McDonald’s (McDonnell’s) advertisement. He thought that he finally could get a taste of home by ordering a beef burger. However, once he got there, he was shocked to not find any beef meals on the menu. Thus, he decided to settle on a vegetarian meal. In India, cows are considered sacred, especially to the Hindus. In Hinduism, cows represent a symbol of Earth, grace and abundance (Why do Hindus worship the cow?). Thus, almost all Indians are vegetarian, which reflects the meals options at India’s MacDonald’s. On the contrary, in America, it is perfectly fine to eat all kinds of meats. This clash reflects on Power Distance Dimension between the two countries. Hinduism is the most common religion in India, while Christianity is the most common religion in America.

Culture Clash 4

Culture Clash 3 Todd holds Aisha’s hand in public. Aisha told him that he should not have done that. This clash reflects Indulgence verses Restrained dimension. In countries such as America, it is a highly indulgence society where people are expected to show their emotions, especially happiness and enjoyment (Indulgence vs. Restraint - The 6th Dimension). It is the total opposite in countries such as India. People in India are more restrained by social norms (Indulgence vs. Restraint - The 6th Dimension) In terms of low and high context, Americans live in a low context society, which can be seen in Todd’s behavior. He was outgoing in trying to hold Aisha’s hand (Low Context and High Context Cultures, 2015) and not seems to care about the people around them. However, Indians live in a high context society, which can be seen in Aisha’s reaction when Todd held her hand. High context societies are more reserved (Low Context and High Context Cultures, 2015) and worry about what others might say.

Culture Clash 5

Culture Clash 5 Todd was confused as to why Aisha was engaged to a man whom she does not love. The clash reflects Individualism verses Collectivism. Todd is from an individualism society where “I” is important (What about the USA?). Men and women have the right to choose whom they want to marry. However, Aisha is from a collective society where “We” is important (What about India?). Families or parents, as a group, are the ones who choose a husband for their daughters. Also, the clash reflects characteristics of low and high contexts. It is a very common in India, as a high context culture, to intermarry between families (Low Context and High Context Cultures, 2015). And in the US, as a low context culture, it is very common to marry from outside of the family (Low Context and High Context Cultures, 2015).

References Does Your Culutre Distribute Power Equally? A Cross Cultural Theory on Power Distance. (n.d.). Retrieved October 11, 2015, from Communic Aid: https://www.communicaid.com/cross-cultural-training/blog/high-vs-low- power-distance/ Indulgence vs. Restraint - The 6th Dimension. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2015, from Communic Aid: https://www.communicaid.com/cross-cultural- training/blog/indulgence-vs-restraint-6th-dimension/ Low Context and High Context Cultures. (2015, October 1). What about India? (n.d.). (The Hofstede Center) Retrieved October 8, 2015, from Geert Hofstede: http://geert-hofstede.com/india.html What about the USA? (n.d.). (The Hofstede Center) Retrieved October 8, 2015, from Geert Hofstede: http://geert-hofstede.com/united-states.html Why do Hindus worship the cow? (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2015, from National Hindu Student's Forum (UK): http://www.nhsf.org.uk/2007/05/why-do-hindus-worship-the-cow/

Prepared by: Khulood Mohamed Al Maskari H00283246