Comparing and contrasting divergent cultural characteristics:
1. Uncertainty-Accepting Cultures versus Uncertainty-Rejecting Cultures
Open mindedness and tolerance are constructive ways to learn about other cultures. By accepting and respecting other cultures we take important steps to new experiences that can teach us about the world at large. Canada, United Kingdom and United States are examples of uncertainty accepting cultures.
Intolerance in cross-cultural societies reflects their anxiety of uncertainty. I caution this statement with an understanding that the intolerance is applicable to a society as a whole and not for individuals within this type of society. Russia, Mexico, Greece, Korea are examples of countries with uncertainty …show more content…
For example, a person could be in a meeting, answering the phone and having people drop into the office all at the same time. It may be very distracting and disrespectful in some cultures but this type of culture tends to have a higher tolerance for interruptions and find it easier to change plans if needed.
Latin American, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Africa are examples of polychronic time oriented cultures.
Most Western based cultures, Canada included, are monochronic time oriented cultures.
3. Time Orientation: Short-Term versus Long-Term Cultural Orientation
Short-term orientation cultures value tradition, social hierarchy and the fulfilment of social obligations. United States, Great Britain, Canada and the Philippines do not see status as a high priority and are focused on short-term and quick gratification.
Long-term oriented cultures foster virtues of future rewards and will sacrifice short-term success in order to prepare for the future. This type of culture values persistence, adaptation and perseverance in attaining their future state goal. Countries with high long-term orientation are China, Hong Kong, and Japan where employees have strong work ethics and have high respect for status differences. Generally Indigenous cultures are also considered long-term oriented cultures as their teachings are based on the seven generations
1. Uncertainty-Accepting Cultures versus Uncertainty-Rejecting Cultures
Open mindedness and tolerance are constructive ways to learn about other cultures. By accepting and respecting other cultures we take important steps to new experiences that can teach us about the world at large. Canada, United Kingdom and United States are examples of uncertainty accepting cultures.
Intolerance in cross-cultural societies reflects their anxiety of uncertainty. I caution this statement with an understanding that the intolerance is applicable to a society as a whole and not for individuals within this type of society. Russia, Mexico, Greece, Korea are examples of countries with uncertainty …show more content…
For example, a person could be in a meeting, answering the phone and having people drop into the office all at the same time. It may be very distracting and disrespectful in some cultures but this type of culture tends to have a higher tolerance for interruptions and find it easier to change plans if needed.
Latin American, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Africa are examples of polychronic time oriented cultures.
Most Western based cultures, Canada included, are monochronic time oriented cultures.
3. Time Orientation: Short-Term versus Long-Term Cultural Orientation
Short-term orientation cultures value tradition, social hierarchy and the fulfilment of social obligations. United States, Great Britain, Canada and the Philippines do not see status as a high priority and are focused on short-term and quick gratification.
Long-term oriented cultures foster virtues of future rewards and will sacrifice short-term success in order to prepare for the future. This type of culture values persistence, adaptation and perseverance in attaining their future state goal. Countries with high long-term orientation are China, Hong Kong, and Japan where employees have strong work ethics and have high respect for status differences. Generally Indigenous cultures are also considered long-term oriented cultures as their teachings are based on the seven generations