India's Cultural Identity Flashcards
Context?
Low-context.
While observant of hierarchical differences as is standard for higher-context societies, India is much more explicit and verbose than those of East Asians
Individualism/collectivism?
India is a society with both collectivist and individualistic traits.
Collectivist- there is a high preference for belonging to a larger social framework in which individuals are expected to act in accordance to the greater good of one’s defined in-group(s)
Individualist- Because of Hinduism. People are individually responsible for the way they lead their lives and the impact it will have upon their rebirth.
Power distance?
High.
Indians appreciate the hierarchy, are dependent on the boss or the power holder for direction, accept unequal rights between power-privileged and those without.
Uncertainty avoidance?
Medium-low uncertainty avoidance.
There is acceptance of imperfection; nothing has to be perfect nor has to go exactly as planned.
India is traditionally a patient country where tolerance for the unexpected is high ; even welcomed as a break from monotony.
People generally do not feel driven and compelled to take action-initiatives and comfortably settle into established rolls and routines without questioning.
Masculinity/femininity?
Masculine.
India is very masculine in terms of visual display of success and power. Advertising one’s success is widely practiced.
It is also an ancient country with one of the longest surviving cultures which gives it ample lessons in the value of humility and abstinence. This often reigns in people from indulging in Masculine displays to the extent that they might be naturally inclined to.
Chronemics?
India is a polychronic culture, in other words, people tend to change priorities depending on their importance and attitudes towards punctuality are relaxed.
Haptics?
Touching somebody is considered a special act. Only someone within the same caste system or family may touch you affectionately.
The religious significance of touch is very high because there is a lot of touching involved with Hindu ceremonial acts.
Touching somebody represents an bond with them and is reserved for family occasions.
Touching somebody on the head is considered an insult.
Kinesics?
They shake their heads from side to side when they mean “yes”.
The traditional form of greeting is the namaste, where the hands are neatly folded together in a prayer-like gesture.
The right hand should only be used, because the left hand is seen as unclean.
Never receive or give anything with your left hand.
