 Conceptualizing and Perceiving Culture By Matthew Byler, R. Taylor Jameson, Becky Tibbenham & Charlotte Windberg

Executive Summary What is culture? We all know the word, but “culture” is used in many different ways by many different people. The article being presented examines the various definitions and aspects of culture that should be considered for interacting in a global world.

What is culture? More than 100 definitions, including: Hofstede: “Mental Programming” – like computer software Hall: Communication… like a musical score Herskovits: Everything that is manmade Triandis: Shared meaning system among particular dialect, during historic period, definable geographic region

What is culture? GLOBE study 62 national cultures studied Culture guides behavior No specific definition

How many cultures? Large or small number Gelfand and Holcombe: 34-item scale measures four types of culture: Individual vs. collectivism Power distance: low vs. high What is the United States? China?

Individualism vs. Collectivism Can people who look at the good of all people (collectivists) over the good of just themselves (individualism) be selfish Yes, though collectivists view group members as selfish when they openly go against group norms. Does it matter since we’re becoming more global? What about if one country is high authority and the other is not?

Power Distance Low power distance Power expected to be distributed equally More democratic Right to critique decisions Includes Australia, Israel, Ireland, Denmark Large power distance Power based on hierarchy Lower level employees do not express opinions Includes Arab countries, China, Brazil

Cultural Values vs. Cultural Practices What are cultural values? The way things should be What are cultural practices? The way things are Law, Education System, Religion, etc. For example, many countries would say that people should be considered relatively equal, but in practice there is a divide between the upper and lower classes

Influences of Values and Practices Influence of Cultural Values on Cultural Practices Catholic Hospitals - Abortion Finland, Norway and Sweden - Speeding Tickets Influence of Cultural Practices on Cultural Values Behavior changes lead to attitude changes Equal Opportunity Laws (USA & India) India’s “Untouchable” President

Does culture even matter? What factors affect our views on life? Culture, life experiences, occupational experiences, gender, age When does culture matter? At a crisis point, having limited options, low support system, and/or lack basic necessities Working abroad strengthens home-based cultural values Being flexible open to new ideas makes culture matter less

Demographics vs. Culture What are demographics? Economic status, education, work experience, free-time activities, age Example: MBA students all think the same Demographics can diminish the importance of culture Demographics can trump cultural values and practices Demographics can subordinate itself to culture if the situation calls for it

Multiple Perspectives on Culture Should we advocate only one perspective on culture? Implications? Cross Culture Comparison Stresses the ratings of dimensions of cultures through surveys Intercultural Interaction A more in depth look at values and practices Multiple Cultures Perspective Profiles the contrasting perspectives and what happens when these perspectives interact Which is best?

Proper Introductions Three types of cultures for people’s interactions: Kiss or Hug Culture where emotions are prominent Bow Authority-ranking cultures Shake Hands Equality matching and market-pricing cultures What is acceptable?

Cultural Stereotypes What is a stereotype? A distorted view of groups and their supposed characteristics, used to evaluate individuals from each group. Always exceptions Can be helpful if: Descriptive, not evaluative First best guess Based on data and observation Subject to change with new information

Different Levels of Culture Deepest Level: Norms and Values Superficial Level: Ways of acting and dressing Globalization is changing the force of culture Deepest levels will become more transparent

Evaluating Culture: Insiders vs. Outsiders Insiders: Looking at your own culture Distorted, limited view Less objective But gives depth of understanding Outsiders: Looking at a different culture than your own More open and detached Max Mueller discovered Sanskrit language Both are relevant

Globalization and Root Cultures Root culture = your own original culture Sigmund Freud: First six years determine personalities Globalization: Spending time in different cultures Speaking multiple languages Transpatriate vs. Expatriate Root culture is losing meaning

Can Cultures Change? Preconception: No Visible and invisible aspects Visible: Buildings, roads, clothing Invisible: Mental attitudes Slow vs. Rapid changes Affected by conquest, immigration, business Visible changes rapidly Invisible changes slowly

Any Questions?