Lustig

Chapter 5Lustig & Koester : Chapter 5Lustig & Koester Cultural Patterns and Communication: Taxonomies

E.T. Hall: High-& Low-Context Cultural Taxonomy : E.T. Hall: High-& Low-Context Cultural Taxonomy Stresses the importance of context High-context cultures: meaning in messages is implied by setting or presumed to be part of a person’s internalized beliefs, values, norms, and social practices (e.g., Japanese, African Amer., Mexican, Latino, Native Amer., and Alaska Native) Low-context cultures: meaning is elicited from overt (behavior) and explicit code (language) (e.g., German, Swedish, European Amer., and English)

Covert Messages : Covert Messages High-context culture: much more is taken for granted and assumed to be shared . . . Consequently . . . Messages are coded in such a way that they do not need to be explicitly and verbally transmitted. Example: indirect face-saving messages (see story about the young couple in Indonesia – pp. 111-112)

Ingroups and Outgroups : Ingroups and Outgroups In high-context cultures deviations from the norm are easy to detect Ingroups = people who follow the rules and social norms Outgroups = people who are outsiders and/or are not competent with given social expectations

Orientation to Time : Orientation to Time High-context: time is open and flexible; more responsive to the immediate needs of people, and less subject to external goals and constraints. Rely heavily on nonverbal code system. Low-context: time is highly organized; almost forced to pay more attention to time in order to complete the work of living with [multicultural] others. Rely on verbal codes.

Hofstede’s Cultural Taxonomy : Hofstede’s Cultural Taxonomy Cultural mental programming regarding ideas of a culture, expressed through its dominant values 5 dimensions along dominant patterns: Individualism vs. collectivism Uncertainty avoidance Power distance Masulinity versus feminity Long-term versus short-term orientation to time

Individualism vs. Collectivism Dimension : Individualism vs. Collectivism Dimension The degree to which a culture relies on and has allegiance to the self or the group Extent to which individual autonomy is viewed favorably or unfavorably People are primarily understood as unique and independent or as conforming and interdependent

Hofstede’s Individualism Index (IDV) : Hofstede’s Individualism Index (IDV) High IDV: People take care of themselves and immediate family Autonomy is paramount Keywords: independence, privacy, self, I, me-oriented Decisions: what is good for the individual not the group Person is the primary force of motivation

Hofstede’s Individualism Index (IDV) - continued : Hofstede’s Individualism Index (IDV) - continued Low IDV: Collectivist orientation Absolute loyalty to the group (family unit, extended family, caste, etc., or even the work organization) Decisions: what is best for the group Group takes care of individual members “we” consciousness, dependence of individual on organizations and institutions Emphasis on belonging

Predictor of Individualism-Collectivism : Predictor of Individualism-Collectivism Economic: wealthy cultures tend to be individualistic; poor cultures tend to be collectivistic Do you agree with this division? Why or why not? Climate: colder climates tend to be individualistic; warmer climates tend to be collectivistic

Consequences of Indiv.-Collect. : Consequences of Indiv.-Collect. Collectivist: Large psychological distance between those who are members (ingroup) and those who are not (the outgroup) outgroup is inconsequential Tend not to question authority Face-saving interpersonal strategies Individualist: gulf between ingroup and outgroup not as large; ingroup members are not as close; outgroup are not as distance Ask more questions – speak out for themselves “squeaky wheel get the grease”

Uncertainty Avoidance Dimension : Uncertainty Avoidance Dimension Tolerance of ambiguity (coping strategies for uncertainty) Cultures threatened by ambiguous, uncertain situations tend to avoid them by establishing more structure. Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI): Low UAI cultures: high tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity High UAI cultures: low tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity; avoidance is a cultural value

Predictors of Uncertainty Avoidance : Predictors of Uncertainty Avoidance No straightforward explanations High UAI cultures beginning to modernize high rate of change Extensive system of legislative rules & laws Embrace religions such as Catholicism and Islam, which stress absolute certainties Low UAI cultures have advanced level of modernization Far fewer rules and laws Prefer negotiation for conflict resolution Adopt religions such as Buddhism or Unitarianism, which emphasize relativity

Consequences of Uncertainty Avoidance : Consequences of Uncertainty Avoidance High UAI cultures tend to be worried about the future: High levels of anxiety Highly resistant to change Low UAI cultures tend to live day to day More willing to accept change and take risks Conflict and competition are natural Dissent is acceptable Deviance in not threatening Individual achievement is regarded as beneficial

Power Distance : Power Distance An issue of human equality Status differentials exist in all societies Social attitudes toward inequalities range from good or bad, right or wrong, just or unjust, fair or unfair characteristics of power distance (superiority): Wealth Age Gender Education Physical strength Birth order Personal achievements Family background Occupation Sexual orientation

Power Distance Index (PDI) : Power Distance Index (PDI) Low PDI cultures: Prefer small power distances Minimize social or class inequalities Question of challenge authority Reduction of hierarchical organizational structures Use power only for legitimate purposes High PDI cultures: Prefer large power distances Each person has a rightful and protected place in the social order Hierarchy and inequality are appropriate and beneficial People in power have the right to use their power as they deem desirable

Predictors of Power Distance : Predictors of Power Distance 3 factors influence power distance: Climate, population size, and wealth Low PDI cultures: tend to live in colder climates (survival strategies) High PDI cultures tend to live in warmer climates (traditional strategies) Larger populations often lead to larger power distances Distribution of wealth best predicts power distance More evenly distributed wealth is related to cultures that value education, technology, and decentralization of political power.

Consequences of Power Distance : Consequences of Power Distance High PDI cultures emphasize distinctions based on social hierarchy Expected to obey parents and authority More sensitive to hierarchical distinctions (e.g., Chinese terms for older, oldest brother) Emphasis in education is on rote learning and student compliance In Business, managers prefer autocratic leadership Low PDI cultures put less emphasis on obedience Are taught to seek reasons or justifications for parents’ actions Students are encouraged to ask questions, solve problems creatively, challenge evidence leading to conclusions. In Business, managers prefer consultative or participative decision-making style.

Masculinity vs. Femininity(Achievement-nurturance) : Masculinity vs. Femininity(Achievement-nurturance) Achievement/assertiveness  cultural values and behaviors that support assertiveness and acquisition of wealth nurturance/social support continuum  cultural values and behaviors that support caring for others and the quality of life (feminist viewpoint of “ethic of care”)

Masculinity Index (MAS) : Masculinity Index (MAS) High MAS cultures believe in ostentatious manliness and specific behaviors and products are associated with male behavior. Low MAS cultures believe less in displays of manliness Service to others is valued Tend to prefer equality between sexes

Predictors of Masculinity-Femininity : Predictors of Masculinity-Femininity Climate is best predictor More masculine cultures tend to live in warmer climates More feminine cultures tend to live in colder climates Hofstede speculates that people who live in colder climates require more technology for the culture to survive. Also, equality of the sexes tends to occur where the division of labor is more equal.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation : Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation Refers to a person’s point of reference about life and work Long-term orientation cultures tend to: Admire persistence, thriftiness, humility, a sense of shame, and status differences Short-term orientation cultures tend to: Emphasize a fast pace, time is seen in smaller increments such as hours and months rather than in years or seasons, change is embraced.

Confucian Cultural Patterns : Confucian Cultural Patterns Social order and stability are based on unequal relationships between people. The family is the prototype for all social relationships. Proper social behavior consists of not treating others as you would not like to be treated yourself. People should be skilled, educated, hardworking, thrifty, modest, patient, and persevering.