Culture Definitions and Explanations

Learning Targets What you need to know/be able to do: 1)Define the term ‘culture’ 2)Define the term ‘cultural norms’ 3)Examine the role of two cultural dimensions on behaviour 1)Individualism/Collectivism 2)Confucian Time Dynamism

Defining Culture Try to write your own definition of what you think culture is… Share with a partner and try to think of the best definition.

Define Culture Numerous definition but there are two important ones: – Shiraev and Levy’s: “a set of attitudes, behaviours and symbols shared by a large group of people and usually communicated from one generation to the next.” – Matsumoto and Juang’s: “a unique meaning and information system, shared by a group and transmitted across generations, that allows the group to meet basic needs of survival, pursue happiness and well-being, and derive meaning from life.”

Similarities in Definitions Passed across generations Shared by a group Other important aspects: – Attitudes – Behaviours – Symbols – Allows survival

Functions of Culture Makes it possible for people to interact – Produce food – Produce babies – Develop knowledge, skills and tools Allows complex social networks and relationships to form – We can produce, appreciate and use: Art, science, mathematics

Objective vs. Subjective Culture Objective Culture Cuisine Fashion Technology Anything you can see Subjective culture Attitudes Norms Beliefs and values What you can’t see

Cultural Norm A cultural norm is…(find in text) – “the norms of an established group which: are transmitted across generations regulate behaviour Stay true to the group’s beliefs about ways of thinking, feeling and behaving.” – Related to: Attitudes Behaviours Symbols Brainstorm three cultural norms that exist in Japan that fit the above bullet points.

Cultural Norms cont… Extend to wider groups than social norms Contribute to a longer lasting sense of social identity

Top 5 Individual Countries 1)America 2)Australia 3)UK 4)Netherlands 5)N.Z

Two Proverbs – guess the countries The squeaky wheel gets the grease The nail that stands out gets pounded down

Individualism/Collectivism Individualism Personal is more important than the social Persons are viewed as unique Individual autonomy and self-expression valued Competitiveness and self- sufficiency highly regarded Collectivism Social more important than personal Self defined by relationships and obligations Individual autonomy and self expression discouraged Group harmony more important than individual achievement

Ind/Col and Conformity Read the infomration on page 137 and write one paragraph explaining how Bond and Smith’s meta-analysis demonstrates that: – A) ind/col can influence conformity – B) this is an example of culture influencing conformity

Time Orientation Long-term vs. Short-term Orientation How willing are you to delay getting material, social and emotional needs? E.g. do you want 1,000yen right now, or 3,000yen in two months time?

Long-Term vs. Short Term Long Term: Future-orientated Favour long standing traditions Fulfil long term social obligations Short Term: Not concerned with past traditions Impatient Strive for immediate results How much will a culture delay their gratification of emotional, material and social needs??? This is what determines long vs short term orientation.

Examples Chen et. al, survey – Singaporean vs. American – Would you rather pay more and have a book delivered now, or pay less and have it a few days later. – US. Vs. Thai Managers – Life Pace; Fastest in Switzerland, Ireland and Germany. Slowest in Mexico, Indonesia and Brazil.

Drama Activity You are to write and act (not in front of the class) a scene that displays the differences between long-term orientation and short-term orientation. Choose from one of the following scenarios to write a script: you get bonus points for the more characteristics you can add: – A law student’s first day – A first date – A CEO of a marketing company in a boardroom meeting