Sociocultural Forces Chapter 6
Culture “The sum total of beliefs, rules, techniques, institutions, and artifacts that characterize human populations.” Learned patterns of behavior Ethnocentricity Effects on Marketing HR Production
Sociocultural Components Aesthetics Attitudes and Beliefs Religion Material Culture Education Language Societal Organizations Legal Characteristics Political Structures
Aesthetics Art Music Folklore Symbols Feng shui Source: http://www.feng-shui-and-beyond.com/cubicle-feng-shui.html Source: www.asterix.com
Attitudes and Beliefs Attitude toward time What do Americans want? Be punctual Mañana Siestas Impressions of Americans Directness and drive Deadlines
Attitudes and Beliefs Attitudes toward Achievement Americans Some other countries Demonstration effect Job prestige Attitudes toward Change What hastens change?
Source: www.pewresearch.com Religion Christian Largest religion in world What do they believe? Catholicism Protestant work ethic Source: www.pewresearch.com
Source: www.theholocaustexplained.org Religion Judaism What do they believe? Connections to other faiths Source: www.theholocaustexplained.org
Source: www.thestar.com Religion Islam Second largest religion What do they believe? Five pillars Two divisions Sunni Shia Source: www.thestar.com
Religion Effects on Business Christianity Judaism Islam
Source: www.aventalearning.com Religion Asian Religions Hinduism Cycle of birth, death, and reincarnation Caste system Buddhism Renounce desires to achieve enlightenment Jainism Nonviolence doctrine Sikhism Bridge between Islam and Hinduism Source: www.aventalearning.com
Source: www.pewforum.com Religion Asian Religions (cont’d) Confucianism Jen, Li Taoism Yin/Yang Shintoism Japan Animism Spirits in nature Source: www.pewforum.com
Material Culture What is it? Technology Concerns Seven benefits Cultural aspects Technological dualism Appropriate technology Boomerang effect Government conrols
Education Yardsticks Brain Drain Reverse Brain Drain Literacy Trends Brain Drain Reverse Brain Drain Why? Women’s Education Trends
Language Spoken Language Delineate cultures Foreign languages Lingua franca English as formal language of business Why learn a foreign language? Translation Backwards translation Technical terms French v. English No Unpleasantness
Language Unspoken Language Gestures Closed doors Office size and location Conversational distance
Language Gift-Giving Acceptable gifts Bribery Extortion Transparency International Questionable Greasing the skids Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
Societal Organization Kinship Extended Member’s responsibility Surnames Associations Age Gender Free association
National Cultures Hofstede Individualism v. Collectivism Large v. Small Power Distance Strong v. Weak Uncertainty Avoidance Masculinity v. Femininity