Cross Cultural Studies Chapter 2

Front 1

More important than observing behaviour is the meaning of that behaviour. Please explain why.

Back 1

Same behaviour can have a diffrent meaning whereas different behaviours can have the same meaning.

Front 2

Give TWO examples of why the meaning of behaviour is more important than observing behaviour.

Back 2

Example 1: maintain eye contact in Western is different then in Asia. Eye contact in Western means trust and honesty whereas in Asia it is a sign of disrespect and aggression.
Example 2: Leaving some food behind in China means that you enjoyed your meal and that you had enough. In Western countries it means the opposite.

Front 3

Briefly explain the ocean model. How can it be a tool in the search for meaning?

Back 3

Exploring a culture is like exploring an ocean. On the surface we can easily observe the artefact, ritual of behavour. However, to verifiy this we have to look deeper in the ocean: discover the meaning behind it, the values and beliefs which are given to explain the behaviour. Further down into the ocean are the underlying assumptions which are difficult to acces and can only be done via interpretation.

Front 4

Choose a cultural artefact and explain is underlying belief/value and basic assumptions.

Back 4

In some Asian cultures:
Behaviour: no eye contact
Belief: it is agressive/attacking to look each other in the eyes
Underlying assumption: acceptance of hierarchy

Front 5

What is monochronic?

Back 5

Where time tends to be seen as limited (Anglo-Saxon and Northern Europe)

Front 6

What is polychronic?

Back 6

Where time is expiernce as unlimited and simultaneuous (Latin Europe and Middle Eastern)

Front 7

How does the interpretive approach work in the search for meaning?

Back 7

The interpretive approach involves extensive observation and interviewing to provide detailed and thick description. THe further exploration is being involved by diffing up evidence to support and modify the theory. In short, discovering the meaning of culture means building theories as well as test them. Searching for clues, playing detective, piecing them togehter, testing them. etc. A 'problem-solving' method.

Front 8

Saying that our colleagues are late to a meeting because they are Lating misses the point. Please explain why.

Back 8

If diagnosing a culture is it important to point out which basis assumtion is possible operating rahter than making attribution to nationality. In this case it is important to recognize the possible meaning of 'time' according to Latins. We need to understand the behaviour observered to appreciate each other.

Front 9

What are the 6 categories within artefacts and behaviour?

Back 9

1. Architecture and design
2. Greeting rituals
3. Forms of address
4. Making contact
5. Dress code
6. Written vs. verbal contacts

Front 10

Within the category making contact, several personal space categories are mentioned. What are these and what do they mean?

Back 10

1. Intimate distance for personal or condifential communications
2. Personal distance used for talking with family and friends

3. Social distance use to hande most business transactions
4. Public distance is used when calling across the room or giving a talk to a group

Front 11

Explain the 7 spiritual values from the Japanese firm Masushita

Back 11

1. Contribution to Society
2. Fairness and Honesty
3. Cooperation and Team Spirit
4. Untiring Effort for Improving
5. Courtesy and Humility
6. Adaptability
7. Gratitude

Front 12

Geert Hofsted identified four 'value orientations' on which countries differed. What are these four?

Back 12

Power distance, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity/feminity and individualism/collectivism.

Front 13

What are the 5 categories of basic assumptions?

Back 13

Relationship with the environment, relationship with people, nautre of human activity, natura of truth and reality and human nature.

Front 14

Can you explain Theory X and Theory Y?

Back 14

This are theories about workers. Theory X assumes workers to be lazy, to need constant direction and supervisions because they will try to get away with as much as possible. Theory Y assumes worked to be self-directed, to be willing to take initiative and to do what ahs to be done without external control.

Front 15

What is uncertainty avoidance?

Back 15

It refers to a society's discomfort with uncertainty, a preference for predicatbility and control and avoidance of risk.

Front 16

What is the difference between a 'being culture' and a 'doing culture'?

Back 16

In a being culture the emphasis is on spontaneity and fully experiencing each moment. In a doing culture, people are more likely to view tasks and work-related activities as central to their existence and self-identity.

Front 17

Can you give an example of a being culture and an example of a doing culture?

Back 17

Being culture: many Latin cultures
Doing culture: such as US Americans

Front 18

How are relationships with people defined?

Back 18

With task versus relationship orientation, concern for performance versus welfare, hierarchy and peer relations.

Front 19

What is a high-context culture?

Back 19

Where communication is highly dependent upon the person and the situation. Information is shared with those who have more priviliged access. Much is communication in what is said and what is not said (body language and non-verbal signs).

Front 20

What is a low-context culture?

Back 20

Where communications are expected to be clear and direct. The person and the situation are not relevant and everyone should be able to understand the message and have equal access to information.

Front 21

What is a important in a past-oriented society?

Back 21

Tradition, history and there is a great respect for historical events and figures (Britain)

Front 22

What is important in a present-oriented society ?

Back 22

The focus on what is going on now, including current events and problems (Brazil)

Front 23

What is important in a future-oriented society?

Back 23

There is great concern on planning, prospects and future achievement (US)

Front 24

What are the three patterns of culture identified by Richard Lewis?

Back 24

Linear active, multiactive and reactive.