Culture and Cultural Differences

Presentation Preferences

Instructing students to specify their group's preferred presentation day (Monday or Wednesday) via email.

The instructor will randomize the selection process, giving priority to groups based on when they were formed.

Accommodations can be made for group members with documented conflicts on specific days. Even without formal documentation, the instructor will try to accommodate.

Attendance of all group members during the presentation is part of the grading criteria.

Presentations are scheduled for Week 10, June 2nd and 4th.

Introduction to Culture

Culture will be addressed with a focus on cultural dynamics within the US and among various social groups (socioeconomic status, gender), and cross-border international cultures (globalization).

Understanding cultural differences is crucial in today's globalized workforce.

Acquiring cultural understanding requires research, learning, direct interaction, and immersion rather than a quick fix.

Course Agenda

1. Definition of Culture

2. Three Dimensions of Culture:

   • Individualism vs. Collectivism

   • Direct vs. Indirect Communication

   • Egalitarian vs. Hierarchical

These three dimensions significantly impact intercultural interactions.

What is Culture?

Culture is a shared set of assumptions that define appropriate behavior in various situations, existing both in individual minds and within social structures (political, educational, economic).

Cultural norms provide a framework for acceptable behavior, varying in degree of adherence and lacking strict boundaries.

Cultural norms are subject to change over time due to the dynamic nature of social interactions.

When comparing cultures, it's crucial to use relative terms; for example, stating that the US is "relatively more individualistic" compared to other countries.

Culture influences basic psychological processes, shaping beliefs about what defines a good person, parent, or child.

Social Class and Cultural Norms

Research indicates that socioeconomic status influences values taught within families, even within the same racial groups.

Lower social class backgrounds: Parents emphasize adjusting to a chaotic world, building grit, perseverance, and a headstrong attitude.

Middle/Upper social class backgrounds: Parents teach that the world is full of possibilities, encouraging passion, individuality, and self-determination.

Colleges often reinforce middle-class values (passion, self-discovery), which can be a mismatch for students from working-class backgrounds.

Some colleges are incorporating interdependent values to create a more balanced environment.

A narrow definition of competence or success can disadvantage certain groups.

Culture as an Iceberg

Visualizing culture as an iceberg is a useful metaphor. The visible aspects (cultural behaviors, institutions) are only a small part of a much larger, unseen foundation of values, norms, beliefs, and assumptions.

These underlying elements shape perceptions of what is "beautiful," "good," or "competent." The assumption that others share these definitions can lead to conflict and misjudgment.

Cultural Differences: Examples

Greeting behavior:

• Varies widely across cultures (handshakes, kisses, bows, or no physical contact).

• Reactions to unfamiliar greetings can be judgmental due to unfamiliarity.

• It is important to recognize, understand and adjust to different cultural flavors.

Eating behavior:

• Ordering Food: Varies (ordering individually vs. sharing family style).

• Utensils: Differ (forks, spoons, hands, chopsticks); specific hand may be required.

• Dining etiquette involves many layers of cultural norms, for instance knowing which hand to use to eat in certain countries like India.

• Eating Customs: Varies; finishing plates vs. leaving food indicates different things.

• In the US, it is generally a good sign to finish your plate

When dining in certain regions of China, it is considered polite to leave a little food on your plate as a gracious gesture.

Interpreting Behavior

People often interpret behaviors through the lens of their own cultural values, leading to misinterpretations and misjudgments.

It is important practice judging behaviors based on the other person's cultural assumption.

Anecdotes

An experience in New York revealed that jaywalking at red lights is acceptable if no cars are present, contrasting with West Coast norms. Even within the US, cultural differences exist.

A trip to Japan required specific etiquette lessons, in particular lessons learned surrounding the use of chop sticks. Sticking chopsticks into rice is a cultural or a fountain.

In India, seatbelt use in the backseat is a cultural norm but this is changing due to cross-cultural change.

Eating fish eyeballs is a common practice in a variety of cultures.

Cultural Exposure and Limited Exposure

Experiences in Kansas and Missouri highlight the lack of cultural and ethnic diversity in some regions.
In towns with limited ethnic diversity, the exposure to and understanding of certain cultures is minimal.

Additional Cultural Examples

Removing shoes before entering a home is a practice rooted in certain cultures.
Opening someone's fridge without permission is considered disrespectful in some cultures.

Airport accessibility

The lack of access ramps in foreign countries highlight differences in disability laws.

Letters of Recommendation

Differ in style across cultures; the American style is more extravagant in expression.

British style is more toned down in expression.

Overlooking these differences in letters of recommendation can disadvantage international students, thus it calls for some adjustment.

Culture as a Lens

Culture acts as a lens through which we perceive the world. The same social reality can be experienced differently based on cultural backgrounds and experiences.

Cultural differences can create richness but also tension and miscommunication.

Three Dimensions of Culture

1. Individualism vs. Collectivism

2. Direct vs. Indirect Communication

3. Egalitarian vs. Hierarchical

Individualism vs. Collectivism

Individualism emphasizes:

• A view of the self as distinct from others.

• Independence and self-reliance.

• Self-interest and control over circumstances.

Collectivism emphasizes:

• The self is defined by relationships with others.

• Interdependence and reliance on close others.

• Cooperation within the group.

• Adjusting to accommodate others.

Individualism and collectivism exist on a continuum.

Individualistic (squeaky wheel gets the grease) versus collectivistic (the nail that stands out gets pounded down) adages.

Group Dynamics

The lecture includes an interactive activity with a picture of fish to gauge perspectives on leadership and group dynamics. Interpretations vary based on cultural backgrounds, with some emphasizing leadership, others teamwork and protection.

Writing down ten self-identifiers can highlight the importance placed on geography and traits. Western contexts emphasize individual traits, skills, physical characteristics, and accomplishments, while Eastern contexts focus on relationships with others, community and social networks.

Study on cars

The study revealed new car purchases. This study revealed cultural variation based on social class.
The reactions to a friend buying the same car vary by social class. Middle-class individuals may be disappointed, work class individuals may revel in it.

Direct vs. Indirect Communication

Direct communication involves: Challenging others, being blunt, focusing on tasks, and maintaining eye contact.

Indirect communication involves: Showing respect, storytelling, socializing before meetings, and saving face.

When working in a cross-cultural environment, understanding the difference between direct and indirect communication is helpful to effectively work with others (including those who are difficult to work with).

Egalitarian vs. Hierarchical

Egalitarian structures follow:

• Meritocracy of ideas. Hard work is the key to success.

• Entrepreneurship is defined by taking initiative.

• Decisions are participative with status layers are permeable.

Hierarchical structures follow:

• Seniority. Progress is made according to time at the company.

• Decisions that are made in a top-down fashion with impermeable status layers.

Managing Language Differences in Cultural Teams

Managing language differences in cultural teams requires psychological safety, rich communication channels, and teamwork (these methods mitigate the challenges when individuals are unable to openly communicate).

Maximizing Collective Intelligence

Threats to maximizing collective intelligence include: Hidden profile problems, common information effects, and a fear of being judged or punished for speaking up.

Google's Project

Google did a project that found that effective groups flourished with shared beliefs and shared norms among its members.

Peer Evaluations

Peer Evaluations are due on Sunday, the eighteenth