Introduction to Culture and Cultural Intelligence

This set of flashcards covers the fundamental definitions, research methodologies, and dimensions of culture, as well as the components of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) as discussed in the lecture.

Culture

The patterns of shared meaning and behavior similar among a specific group of people.

Cumulative Culture

The idea that cultural knowledge, such as techniques for cheese making or high-tech manufacturing, builds and develops over time.

Code Switching

The process of switching and adapting how one behaves based on different cultural contexts.

Enculturation

The process of shared learning through which individuals, often as children, pick up and understand a specific culture.

Ethnographic Approach

A research method involving in-depth interactions, such as interviews and living within a community, to understand a culture deeply.

Cross Cultural Approach

A research method often using the same survey or task across two or more cultures to allow for direct comparison.

Individualism

A worldview that views the self as a unique individual and emphasizes personal goals, autonomy, and self-expression.

Collectivism

A worldview that prioritizes the interests of the group and values harmony, cooperation, and social cohesion.

Familism

A subcategory of collectivism where the priorities and image of the family take precedence over those of the individual.

Power Distance

A cultural dimension describing how much people view hierarchies and power differences as acceptable versus unacceptable.

Horizontal vs. Vertical Societies

Distinctions in power distance, such as calling a professor by their first name (horizontal) versus using formal titles (vertical).

Time Orientation

A cultural dimension measuring the focus on preparing for the future versus maintaining time-honored traditions from the past.

Masculinity vs. Femininity

A cultural dimension contrasting a preference for achievement and assertiveness against cooperation, modesty, and caring for the weak.

Uncertainty Avoidance

The degree to which a culture is tolerant of unusual behaviors, ideas, and uncertainty.

Indulgence vs. Restraint

The cultural dimension regarding whether it is acceptable to freely enjoy life and have fun versus holding behavior in check with strict social norms.

Cultural Relativism

The idea that multiple cultures have different ways of doing things and that these ways are equally valid.

Cultural Absolutism

The perspective that there is only one right way to do things and that different cultural practices are wrong.

Cultural Intelligence (CQ)

The ability to relate and work effectively in culturally diverse situations.

CQ Drive

The motivational component of cultural intelligence, involving the interest and confidence to interact in diverse settings.

CQ Knowledge

The component of cultural intelligence involving the understanding of cultural similarities, differences, and internal variability.

CQ Strategy

The cognitive component of cultural intelligence involving checking assumptions and planning for cultural interactions.

CQ Action

The behavioral component of cultural intelligence involving the adjustment of one’s actions to be appropriate for the context.

Core vs. Flex

A framework within cultural intelligence distinguishing between behaviors and values that are inflexible to one's identity (Core) and those that can be adapted (Flex).