CHAPTER 5 CULTURAL PATTERNS & COMMUNICATION:TAXONOMIES

Review Chapter 4 Beliefs: An idea that people assume to be true about the world Central beliefs- cultural teachings Peripheral beliefs- personal theories  Example-prayer Values: cultures belief on what is good or bad Valence- +/- Intensity- importance of value

Review Chapter 4, Cont’d Norms: cultural expectations & appropriate behaviors/social sanctions Social practices: typical behavior patterns Informal Formal

II.Hofstede’s Cultural Taxonomy Cultural differences in respect to values orientation “Software of the mind”

Low Context Low-Context = most information is stated explicitly in the verbal message German, Swedish, European American, English Explicit codes Every statement must be precise Overt messages Time highly organized 56E&feature=related

High Context High-Context = most information is the context or person rather than the verbal message Japanese, African American, Mexican, Latino Implied messages Apart of values, norms, beliefs, social practices Covert messages In-groups Time less structured

Individualistic = puts the individual first, over the group PqOY&feature=related

promotes group values as most important Collectivism

Power Differences 1.High Power Distance = power is in the hands of a few qhA Brazil India

power is evenly distributed throughout the citizenry Denmark New Zealand Low Power Distance

Masculine vs. Feminine Gender roles are distinct Taught by culture Masculine Cultures Acquisition of wealth Men- Assertive/ Women-Nurturing Sex role clearly defined Austria, Italy, Japan, Mexico, USA Feminine Cultures Caring for others Equality of sexes No gender roles -Chile, Portugal, Sweden

Long-term vs. Short-term orientation Long-term Value Tradition Social Obligation ex: Work for a company all there life Ex: Chinese Culture “ year of the Dragon” Short-term Quick results Ex: Monthly “Gemini” Time Orientation: point of reference about life and work e=related

Uncertainty Avoidance The extent to which cultures handle ambiguity Uncertainty Reduction: the more we reduce uncertainty, the greater comfort we feel MIOM