2. Management 2203, Ch 4

Cross-Cultural Literacy

An understanding of how cultural differences across and within nations can affect the way business is practiced.

Culture

A system of values and norms shared among a group of people, constituting a design for living.

Social Structure

A society's basic social organization, which emphasizes individual versus group and levels of stratification.

Social Mobility

The extent to which individuals can move out of the strata into which they are born.

Caste System

A closed system of stratification in which social position is determined by birth and change in position is unlikely.

Class System

An open social stratification system where a person's position can change from the one they were born into.

High Context Cultures

Cultures that rely on implicit knowledge of group meanings, values, and rules to communicate appropriate behavior.

Low Context Cultures

Cultures that rely on explicit communication, rules, and goals to guide behavior.

Hofstede's Power Distance

The degree to which less powerful members of a society defer to more powerful members, affecting power distribution.

Individualism vs. Collectivism

The relationship between the individual and the collective; individualism emphasizes personal achievement and independence.

Uncertainty Avoidance

The extent to which different cultures tolerate uncertainty and ambiguity.

Masculinity vs. Femininity

The relationship between gender and work roles, focusing on task-oriented versus people-oriented culture.

Protestant Work Ethic

The belief that hard work, wealth creation, and frugality are central to capitalism, as proposed by Max Weber.

Islamic Economic Implications

Include the right to own property and prohibitions against deception, breaking contracts, and charging interest.

Hinduism

A belief system valuing spiritual growth over material achievements, impacting economic interactions.

Buddhism

Emphasizes spiritual growth and acceptance of mobility between classes while allowing for entrepreneurial activity.

Confucianism

Focuses on moral action, loyalty, and reciprocal obligations, promoting long-term business relations.

Cultural Change

The evolution of culture as influenced by various factors, often catalyzed by multinational enterprises.