McCool Chapter 2: Deepest Dimensions of Culture

Uncertainty Definition: “the degree and extent that people attempt to avoid unknown situations” (17) Uncertainty Avoidance Role of emotions Truth Scientific inquiry Equality & inequality

Low Uncertainty Avoidance Generally found in cultures that are relatively stable, where people have their basic needs met Uncertainty is normal and not to be feared Uncertainty can even be exciting because it leads to new knowledge and concepts Emotions should be hidden Truths are relative – there are many valid belief systems Scientific inquiry is valued Equality is assumed

High Uncertainty Avoidance Generally found in cultures that have recently been or are currently experiencing war, famine, or other traumatic events Uncertainty is seen as a threat Emotions are vented, even in professional settings There is one Truth Grand theories Inequality among people is assumed

Social Relationships Individualism vs. Collectivism People and Language Personal Time Available Resources Concept of Freedom Learning Orientation Relationship with Authority Harmony and Persuasion

Individualism vs. Collectivism Personal language Personal time Individual resources Personal freedom How to learn Authority contested Argumentative, persuasive Group language Group time Shared resources Freedom in groups What to learn Authority respected Harmony

Communication Low Context High Context Western cultures Writer responsible Explicit and direct communication Focus on content Language effective Common law legal tradition Clear and concise Non-Western cultures Reader responsible Implicit and indirect communication Focus on context Language ineffective Civil law legal tradition Flowery and descriptive

Rules Universalism Particularism Hierarchy High power distance Equality Low power distance Eye contact shows trustworthiness Practical – evidence, verifiable, empirical research, concrete Achievement –based on personal, quantifiable results, competitive Hierarchy High power distance Eye contact with authority figures is disrespectful Theoretical – big ideas that can not be definitively proven, abstract Ascriptive – based on non- tangible status markers

Time Monochronic Polychronic Linear Considers one task at a time Punctuality is important Waiting patiently in line is expected Clock-oriented Short-term orientation Precision Nonlinear Considers several tasks at one time Punctuality is less important Lines are not common People-oriented Long-term orientation Flow