Business & Culture Exam Preparation Flashcards

Definition of Culture

The customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group

also: the characteristic features of everyday existence (such as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time.

The elements of culture

1. Symbols

2. Heroes

3. Rituals

4. Values

5. Practices

Symbols

• Words, gestures, images, or objects that carry cultural significance.

• Examples: language, clothing, hair styles, flags, status symbols.

Heroes

• Individuals, real or fictional, who represent culturally valued traits.

• Examples: Influential figures in culture, media & politics (e.g. national leaders, celebrities)

Rituals

• Collective activities, socially essential within a culture.

• Examples: greetings, ceremonies, business meetings.

Values

• The core of a culture, reflecting deep-rooted preferences and guiding behaviour.

• Tendencies toward specific behaviours like individualism or collectivism, importance of hierarchy or equality.

Practices

• Observable behaviour in a culture that encompass symbols, heroes, and rituals.

• Common practices such as holiday celebrations, workplace customs, social interactions and greetings.

Levels of Uniqueness in Mental Programming

• Human Nature - Universal Level

• Culture - Collective Level

• Personality - Individual Level

Human Nature - Universal Level

• Fundamental aspects common to all cultures.

• Includes basic emotions, social needs, and communication abilities.

• Represents innate “human hardware.”

Culture - Collective Level

• Shared beliefs, values, norms, and practices.

• Specific to a particular group or society.

• Learned and acquired through socialisation.

• What differentiates one culture from another.

Personality - Individual Level

• Unique personality traits and characteristics.

• Shaped by personal experiences, upbringing, and individual factors.

• May deviate from cultural norms.

• Recognises individual variations within cultural contexts.

Identity in a Cultural Context:

Identity:

• “To which group do I belong?”

• Rooted in language and religion, both visible and felt by the holder and the environment.

Cultural Influence on Identity:

• Identity differences are rooted in practices (shared symbols, heroes, rituals), not in values.

Dynamic Identity Shifts:

• Identities can shift over one’s lifetime.

• Second-generation immigrants often navigate dual identities.

Explicit Expression of Identity:

• Identity can be articulated in words.

• Multiple identities more common in individualistic cultures, collectivist cultures emphasize group affiliation.

Values in a Cultural Context:

Values (Invisible):

• Values are implicit and reside in our subconscious.

• Belong to the “invisible software of our minds”

• Exploring our own values can be challenging, as it involves examining our motivations, emotions, and cultural sensitivities.

• In intercultural teams, individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds can align around shared values and goals to work cohesively).

Institutions in a Cultural Context:

Institutions (visible):

• Institutions follow mental programs.

• Institutions adapt to local culture
  - Similar laws may differ in different countries

• Understanding national culture is essential for understanding institutions.

• Country values are strongly related to the structure and functioning of its institutions.

• Introducing foreign institutions cannot reshape how peiple in a country think, feel, and act.

Personal Identity in Business

• Personal beliefs and experiences influence decision-making and leadership,

• Example: A creative leader promotes a flexible work culture.

Social Identity in Business

• Social groups (e.g., nationality, profession) shape how individuals behave at work.

• Example: Americans may prefer direct communication; Japanese may value indirect communication.

Cultural Identity in Business

• Shared values and practices within a group influence acceptable behaviour.

• Example: Assertiveness is valued in U.S business culture, while humility is prized in Asia.

Cross-Cultural Business Success

• Leaders who understand identities can create inclusive, productive teams.

Intro to Identity: Friends’ Book

• YOUR self-image

• YOUR values & beliefs about the person that you are and how you differ from others

• The wheel does not emphasize perception or context

• Defines how YOU identify yourself outside of social factors

Social Identity Wheel: Definition

• Your identity based in terms of the groups you belong to

• May be defined by physical, social and mental characteristics of individuals

• Sometimes obvious to others; sometimes not

• May impact how others percieve you or treat you

• Result → “In-group” & “out-group”

Identities Influence on Workplace Decision-Making:

Personal identity:

• Values and beliefs

• Career goals

• Workplace preferences

Culture and social identity:

• Cultural norms and traditions

• Shared values

• Community practices

Personal and Social Identity in Business and Culture

• Self-Awareness: Understand your personal identity, including values and cultural background.

• Cultural Competence: Personal identity informs cultural competence, essential in global business.

• Empathy & Inclusivity: Self-awareness fosters empathy, improving interactions with diverse stakeholders.

• Informed Decisions: Recognising identity intersectionality guides culturally sensitive decision-making.

• Competitive Advantage: Understanding personal & social identity provides a competitive edge in business.

What is the impact of identity in Business & Cuture:

Business and personal identity:

• Approach to work

• Career goals

• Management styles

• Company values and culture

Culture and social identity:

• Cultural norms and traditions

• Shared values and beliefs

• Beliefs and practices of a community.

According to the Global Remote Work Index Report, which continent is home to all 10 of the top-ranked countries in the Global Remote Work Index 2023?

Europe

The Netherlands’ appeal as a remote work destination is partly due to its widespread:

English Usage

What makes Germany particularly attractive for remote workers, according to the Global Remote Work Index 2023?

World’s most affordable internet service

Denmark’s strengths for remote workers include high internet quality, healthcare and:

Social inclusiveness

Agricultural Era:

• Work integrated into daily life; family and community-based

• Culture of work was local, hands-on, and closely tied to family life

• Notice that the whole family is working, including children.

Is this Work From Home (WFH)?

Industrial Revolution (Late 18th to Early 20th Century):

• Shift from rural, home-based work to urban factories.

• Work culture centered around rigid schedules, hierarchy, and discipline.

• Clear separation of work and personal life emerged.

Post-World War 2 Era (1940s-1960s)

• Rise of the corporate office as a symbol of stability

• Work culture emphasized loyalty, job security, and long-term employmeny.

• The office became the central hub for professional and social interactions.

• Open floor plan makes for a social environment.

Information Age (1980s-2000s):

• Emergence of computers, the internet, and mobile technology.

• Transitition towards knowledge work and early telecommuting.

• Work culture began to value flexibility and remote collaboration

Globalization and the Gig Economy (2000s - 2010s):

• Businesses expanded globally, increasing demand for flexible work.

• Rise of remote freelancers and digital nomads.

• Shift towards project-based work and a focus on work-life balance.

Digital Transformation (2010s):

• Growth of cloud computing, video conferencing, and collaboration tools.

• Increased adoption of remote and hybrid work models.

• Cultural shift towards outcome-oriented practices and flexible work arrangement

COVID-19 Pandemic (2020 Onwards):

• Rapid shift to remote work as offices closed globally

• Work culture embraced flexibility, autonomy, and work-life integration

• Many organizations adopted hybrid work as a long-term strategy

Present and Future Trends:

• Remote and hybrid work are now standard practices.

• Continued evolution of digital tools supporting remote collaboration.

• Work culture focuses on inclusivity, flexibility, and adapting to diverse employee needs

Technology Integration and Dependency

Pros

• Increased flexibility, access to a wider talent pool

Cons

• Potential for isolation, reliance on technology

Leadership and Management Styles

Pros

• Adaptability, focus on results

Cons

• Difficulty building trust and relationships remotely

Employee Experience and Well-being

Pros

• Improved work-life balance, reduced commute

Cons

• Potential for loneliness, lack of social interaction

Organizational Culture and Values

Pros

• Easier to maintain a consistent culture

Cons

• Difficulty fostering a sense of community

Weakened company culture

Challenges

• Difficulty in maintaining shared values and traditions

Opportunities

• Increased diversity and inclusion: Ability to hire talent from different backgrounds and locations.

Reduced sense of belonging

Challenges

• Employees may feel isolated and disconnected

Opportunities

• Enhanced creativity and innovation: Exposure to different perspectives and ideas

Communication breakdowns

Challenges

• Misunderstandings due to lack of nonverbal cues.

Opportunities

• Flexible work arrangements: Catering to diverse employee needs and preferences.

Difficulty in onboarding new employees

Challenges

• Challenges in integrating new hires into the company culture.

Opportunities

• Strengthened employee autonomy: Empowering employees to take ownership of their work.

Maintaining trust and accountability

Challenges

• Ensuring employees feel connected and responsible.

Opportunities

• Reduced office-related costs: Potential savings on real estate and utilities.

Remote Work Implications: Communciations

Implications

• Increased reliance on written communication, potential for misunderstandings due to lack of nonverbal cues.

Remote Work Implications: Collaboration

Implications

• Challenges in fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing.

Remote Work Implications: Social Interaction

Implications

• Reduced opportunities for informal interactions and relationship building.

Remote Work Implications: Company Culture

Implications

• Difficulty maintaining shared values and traditions

Remote Work Implications: Employee Engagement

Implications

• Potential for decreased engagement due to isolation.

Remote Work Implications: Leadership

Implications

• Challenges in providing effective leadership remotely.

What are ways to foster a strong workplace culture?

1. Building and maintaining relationships (71%)

2. Being spontaneous with colleagues (68%)

3. Zoom fatigue (with meetings) (61%)

4. Managing conflcts and disagreements (54%)

5. Feelings of isolation (53%)

6. Limited small talk, casual information sharing (61%)

7. Harder to establish relationships (51%)

8. Onboarding new team members (41%)

9. Takes longer to create a sense of belonging (40%)

10. Greater risk of miscommunication (35%)

11. Maintaining collegiality among team members (31%)

12. Difficulty establishing a sense of urgency across cultures (21%)

13. Keeping all team members accountable (19%)

14. Difficulty with intercultural communication (13%)

Hybrid Work Benefits:

The “best'“ of working in the office and working from home:

• Break an employee’s working week into tasks

• In person tasks: meetings, training events, or mentoring on office days

• Individual tasks: reading, writing, or coding on home days.

The Benefits:

1. Employees avoid having to commute and prepare for work.

2. Best to stay home for work that requires a quiet environment

3. Allows for greater time flexibility: exercise breaks, doctor visits, pick up children.

4. Reduce space costs if firms rotate the days in which teams work from home.

Bias - definition

• A tendency to favour or lean toward one perspective, person, or group over others, often unconsciously, which can lead to unfair outcomes or judgements.

Prejudice - definition

• A preconceived opinion or attitude about a person or group that is not based on reason, experience, or facts, often resulting in unfair or discriminatory behaviour.

Remember (Bias & Prejudice)

Bias is a preference for or against a person, idea, or thing.

Prejudice is judging or forming an opinion before having all of the relevant facts.

Types of unconscious/implicit bias

• Affinity bias

• Confirmation bias

• Anchoring bias

• Stereotyping

• Attribution bias

• Halo effect

• Horns effect

• …

Greenwald & Banaji:

Psychologists, professors at both the University of Washingtion & Harvard University:

Their research highlighted that implicit biases - including experiences, social background, and environment - can impact our behaviour and decision-making unknowingly. As such, unconscious bias is not easily identified as it varies from person to person, each with their own perceptions, assumptions, and interpretations of the world.

Dangers of affinity bias:

• Excludes diverse perspectives

• Favours similar individuals

• Perpetuates inequality

• Reduces innovation

• Limits objectivity

Cultural Bias

A cultural bias occurs when a person is inclined to interpret a situation from their own cultural perspective. This can cause conflct and misinterpretation of situations.

Dangers of confirmation bias:

• Reinforces misconceptions

• Limits perspective

• Fuels polarisation

• Impairs decision-Making

• Strengthens stereotypes

Stereotyping

A picture in your head, or an opinion you have about a person or group of people based on the actions or behaviours of others that are similar.

Dangers of stereotyping

• Promotes discrimination

• Fuels prejudice and bias

• Limits opportunities

• Perpetuates misconceptions

• Reduces individuality

The halo effect

The “halo effect” is when one trait of a person or thing is used to make an overall judgement of that person or thing.

Dangers of the halo effect:

• Skews objectivity

• Creates unbalanced evaluations

• Leads to overgeneralization

• Makes other issues

• Promotes favouritism

Strategies to reduce bias at work

Anonymize CVs:

• Remove the applicant’s place of birth

• Cover applicant’s name

• Exclude date of birth

Create structured interviews

• Use standardized questions to ensure consistency.

• Evaluate repsonses using a clear, predefined ribric.

Diverse hiring panels:

• Involve a range of perspectives in the interview process to reduce individual biases.

Provide regular bias training for staff:

• Provide training for HR professionals and hiring managers on recognising and mitigating bias.

Verbal Communication (35%):

• Involves the use of words and language

• Explicit and precise

• Directly conveys messages

Nonverbal Communication (65%):

• Relies on gestures, facial expressions, and body language

• Can be implicit and subject to interpretation

• Complements or reinforces verbal communication

Key aspects of verbal communication

• Active Listening

• Language Clarity

• Emphatic Response

• Tone and Pitch

• Cultural Sensitivity

• Effective Storytelling

• Professional Etiquette

Active listening

• Definition: The attentive process of hearing, interpreting, and responding to verbal cues during a conversation.

• Example: Through active listening and thoughtful responses, the counselor builds trust and rapport with the client, creating a supportive environment for open dialogue and self-reflection.

Language Clarity

• Definition: The use of clear and straightforward language to convey a message effectively

• Example: By simplifying complex technical jargon, the trainer ensured that all employees understood the new safety protocols during the workshop.

Emphatic Responses:

• Definition: Demonstrating understanding and compassion in verbal communication to acknowledge and validate the emotions of others.

• Example: By expressing genuine concern and offering thoughtful solutions, the manager effectively supported the team member during a challenging project, boosting morale and productivity.

Tone and Pitch

• Definition: The modulation of voice to express emotions or convey meaning.

• Example: Using an enthusiastic tone and varied pitch, the motivational speaker effectively inspired the audience to pursue their goals with passion and determination.

Cultural Sensitivity

• Definition: The awareness and consideration of diverse cultural backgrounds in communication to promote inclusivity and mutual respect.

• Example: By acknowledging and respecting cultural customs, the international negotiator successfully established a strong business parternship based on mutual trust and understanding.

Efffective Storytelling:

• Definition: The skillful use of narratives and anecdotes to convey information and evoke emotional responses form the audience.

• Example: Through a compelling story, the entrepreneur captivated potential investors, effectively showcasing the company’s vision and generating interest in the business venture.

Professional Etiquette

• Definition: The adherence to polite and courteous behaviour and language standards in professional interactions and formal settings.

• Example: Maintaining a professional demeanor and using respectful language, the executive effectively represented the company’s values, fostering a positive and reputable corporate image.

Types of body language

• Hand Gestures

• Emblems

• Blocking

• Proxemics

• Interest

• Facial Expressions

• Pacifying

• Ornaments

Hand Gestures

A hand gesture typically refers to a specific movement or position of the hand that conveys meaning or emphasizes a point.

Emblems

Emblems in nonverbal communication can refer to specific gestures or symbols that hold distinct cultural or contextual meanings:

• “OK” hand gesture: agreement or confirmation in various cultures

• “V for Victory” hand sign: symbol of victory, peace, or solidarity.

• Thumbs-down: signifies disapproval or rejection in many cultures.

• Peace sign: represents peace, unity, or positivity globally.

• High-five gesture: signifies celebration, congratulations, or mutual enthusiasm.

Blocking

To create barriers or obstacles between oneself and others:

• Crossed arms as a physical barrier

• Turning away to show disinterest

• Closed-off posture for emotional withdrawal

• Avoiding eye contact for discomfort

• Using objects to create separation

Proxemics

How individuals use and perceive space as a form of non-verbal communication:

• Personal space preferences

• Territorial behaviour

• Use of physical distance to convey intimacy or authority

• Cultural norms related to spatial relationships

• Power dynamics associated with spatial positioning

Interest

Showing interest non-verbally:

• Maintaining eye contact

• Nodding in agreement

• Asking follow-up questions

• Providing verbal affirmations

• Leaning slightly forward

Facial expressions

Common facial expressions include:

• Smiling: Conveys happiness or friendliness

• Frowning: Indicates displeasure or concern.

• Raised eyebrows: Signifies suprise or interest.

• Squinting: Demonstrates concentration or skepticism.

• Wide eyes: Expresses shock or excitement

Pacifying

Pacifying behaviours include:

• Rubbing one’s hands together

• Tapping fingers on a surface

• Fidgeting or adjusting clothing repeatedly

• Playing with objects in hand, like pens or jewelry

Ornaments

Ornaments include:

• Traditional jewelry: Necklaces, bracelets, or rings

• Religious attire or symbols: Cross, hijab

• Cultural garments or accessories: Kimono, turban

• Fashionable clothing or accessories: Designer handbags, luxury watches

• Body modifications: Tattoos, piercings

The interaction between verbal/ non-verbal communication: Repetition

• Verbal and nonverbal cues that reinforce the message

• Example: During a persuasive speech, the speaker’s confident tone of voice and assertive gestures repetitively emphasized the importance of the main argument, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

The interaction between verbal/ non-verbal communication: Substitution

• Nonvervbal cues that replace verbal language

• Example: In a noisy environment, a single thumbs-up gesture from across the room effectively substituted the need for verbal communication, conveying approval and understanding between two friends.

The interaction between verbal/ non-verbal communication: Contextual Reinforcement

• Nonverbal cues that add depth to the verbal context

• Example: In a business negotiation, the firm handshake between the parties reinforced the verbal agreement, solidifying the commitment and trust established through the spoken terms.

The interaction between verbal/ non-verbal communication: Emphasis and Clarification

• Verbal and nonverbal cues that enhance message understanding

• Example: While giving directions, the tour guide’s use of vivid hand gestures and clear facial expressions emphasized key landmarks and clarified intricate details, ensuring the tourists’ comprehensive understanding.

The interaction between verbal/ non-verbal communication: Complementary Roles

• Nonverbal cues often complement spoken words, adding emphasis and clarity to the intended message.

• Example: When Sarah started exciting news about her promotion, her beaming smile and enthusiastic gestures reinforced her verbal excitement, leaving no doubt about her happiness.

The interaction between verbal/ non-verbal communication: Contradictory Signals

• In some instances, nonverbal cues may contradict verbal communication, leading to potential misunderstandings or mixed messages.

• Example: Despite stating that everything was fine, John’s crossed arms and furrowed brow indicated that he was upset, causing confusion among his friends.

The interaction between verbal/ non-verbal communication: Conversation Regulation

• Nonberbal cues, such as nodding or eye contact, can regulate the flow of conversation and signal active engagement or interest.

• Example: As the professor explained a complex concept, students’ attentive nods and focused eye contact encouraged the professor to delve deeper into the topic, fostering an interactive learning environment.

The 4 Cs of Corporate Kissing:

• Depends on Country, Corporate culture, Connection, Context

• Influence of field in which you work: handshake or kiss?

• More conservative field (banking, consulting, …): handshakes

• More forward field (e.g. fashion, entertainment, …): kiss is ok

• Advice: “copy-paste” or avoid

• Women: YOU decide!

What are the 7 habits?

• Be proactive

• Begin with the end in mind

• Put first things first

• Think win-win

• Seek first to understand, then to be understood

• Synergize

• Sharpen the Saw

#1 Be Proactive:

• take responsibility for your actions and choices. Instead of reacting to external circumstances, focus on what you can control and influence.

#2 Begin with the End in Mind:

• define clear goals and envision the outcomes you want to achieve. Having a clear vision helps you align your actions with your long-term objectives.

#3 Put First Things First:

• prioritise tasks based on importance, not urgency. Focus on activities that contribute to your goals and values rather than getting caught up in distractions.

#4 Think Win-Win:

• seek mutually beneficial solutions in interactions with others. Effective relationships are based on cooperation and the idea that success doesn’t have to come at someone else’s expense.

#5 Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood:

• practice active listening and empathy. Understand others’ perspectives before expressing your own, fostering better communication and relationships.

#6 Synergise:

• collaborate effectively by valuing differences and combining strengths. Working together can create better outcomes than what individuals achieve on their own.

#7 Sharpen the Saw:

• maintain blance in your life by regularly renewing yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.