Culture Flashcards
(26 cards)
What do Hofstedes dimensions describe?
Categorising national cultures by 6 issues a society needs to agree in order to function - known as dimensions. Each expressed on scale of 0-100
List Hofstedes dimensions (6)
Power Distance
Individualism vs collectivism
Masculinity vs feminity
Uncertainty avoidance
Long term orientation
Indulgence vs Restraint
GUMPCD
Describe Hofstedes Power Distance dimension
Degree of inequality people view as acceptable
High = unequal power distribution, high respect for authority
Describe Hofstedes Individualism vs collectivism dimension
Degree to which people prefer to act as individuals rather than group members
Individualism is valuing performance of individuals eg USA, Collectivism eg Asia, Korea
Describe Hofstedes Masculinity vs feminity dimension
Whether a country favours masculine or femine traits
Masculinity - assertiveness, competitiveness.
Feminitity - cooperation, modesty
Describe Hofstedes Uncertainty avoidance dimension
Extent to which people prefer structured situations over unstructured ones
High = lot of rules and regulations
Low = laid back more risks embrace change
Describe Hofstedes Long term orientation dimension
How a country likes to plan and base its performance expectations.
Long term eg China, Japan
Short term eg Pakistan, West Africa
Describe Hofstedes Indulgence vs Restrain dimension
The extent of a society to fulfil its desires.
Indulgence = free gratification, leisure time valued - Latin America
Restraint - control, work prioritised - Korea
What do E.T Hall’s 4 dimensions describe?
Attempts to classify cultures based on how the communicate
Which model describes communication methods of different cultures?
E.T Hall’s 4 dimensions
(Context, Time, Information flow, Space)
Describe E.T Halls Context dimension
Can be either high or low context
High - Much depends on what is unsaid, need a lot of context clues depending on situation and environment (China)
Low - direct and clear (Germany)
Describe E.T Halls Time dimension
Can be either Monochronic or Polychronic
Monochronic = Time is structured, one task after another
Polychronic = Time if flexible, Less planning relaxed attitude
Describe E.T Halls information flow dimension
Slow flow = plan information carefully not giving more than necessary
Fast = More information spread is better for all
Describe E.T Halls Space dimension
Describes how much personal space is needed to protect a persons privacy
Space allowance is high in Finland Low in Latin America
How did A. Thomas differentiate cultures?
He said each culture has ‘Cultural Standards’
This is differences in Thinking
Judgment
Actions considered normal and natural
To the majority of members
They are unconscious, binding and give orientation to members
Who explained ‘Cultural standards’ and what are they?
A Thomas - cultural standards differentiate cultures as they are unconscious and binding ways of thinking, judging and acting considered normal by members of the culture
What is culture?
The habits, norms and values of a group - many models to explain the differences including Hofstedes 6 dimensions. E.T Hall’s 4 Dimensions and A Thomas’ cultural standards.
Generally described as mental software that distinguishes one group from another which is developed how you are raised
What are the characteristics of culture/
It is learned, dynamic and pervasive - it infiltrates all aspects of life
What is E.T Halls description of culture?
That it is like an iceberg - only 10% is visible the rest is invisible.
Visible = language , food
Invisible = ideals (American dream) understanding of roles
How does the iceberg model describe culture?
That it is like an iceberg - only 10% is visible the rest is invisible.
Visible = language , food
Invisible = ideals (American dream) understanding of roles
What is Hofstedes onion model of culture
There are layers to culture.
Symbols - Visible most superficial eg language
Heroes - Visible real or imaginary people that act as role models
Rituals- Visible socially collective activities eg tea ceremony japan
Values - invisible not directly perceptible
What is culture shock
Feeling of disorientation and anxiety while living in an unfamiliar cultural environment
(Language, communication, food)
Influenced heavy by own mental state, language skills and family
What are the stages of culture shock
Honeymoon
conflict
Recovery
Adjustment
Shock when returning to home culture
What are stereotypes, the function and risk?
Beliefs and views associated with a group of people. Positive and negative. Can lead to fundamental attribution error.
Functions to protect the ego and build group identity.
Risks distorted and biased beliefs
