Characteristics and Dimensions of Culture

CHARACTERISTICS OF CULTURE CULTURE IS LEARNED CULTURE IS LOGICAL Whether inherited or adopted, from one generation to another culture shapes individuals and their societal norms by enforcing a community's guiding princi- ples-its decisions, beliefs, interactions and conduct. Developed over a long history, culture may seem senseless and trivial in today's world, even though it defines standards of conduct based on important knowledge and experience handed down from earli- er generations. CULTURE IS DYNAMIC Cultures continually morph and adapt to various influenc- es-scientific, economic, political, medical, sociological, artistic, etc. Closed societies change slowly, open ones quickly embrace global trends and change. CULTURE IS VISBLE & INVISIBLE CULTURE IS IDENTITY Our personal identities reflect our culture because it explains where we came from, what we believe and who we are. Practices that outsiders observe and invisible premises that infuse daily routines define a culture. DIMENSIONS OF CULTURE CONTEXTUAL COMMUNICATION STYLE Context is a measure developed by anthropologists to compare communication styles among cultures. Using this measure, a low-context culture is defined as one that does not rely on non-verbal communication and vocal tone. In low-context societies, communication is candid, specific and logical, Facts take precedence over intuition. In low-context cultures, individual accomplishment is more highly valued than group achievements. Personal privacy and space are highly regarded People in high context cultures often communicate differently from those in low-context cultures. Americans and Germans prefer to use language that can be taken literally. However, Latinos and South Americans often play on words. Some cultures have completely different views on contracts. For example, some cultures might view a contract as an intention to do something later and others view a contract as a defined intention. While Calend ar North Americans value directness and are cautious often demand immediacy Thus Abent and learned to accommodate Americans by making about evasive people, they are also have In contrast, a high-context culture relies on non-verbal communication and vocal tone to convey meaning. are highty valued, allowing em relationships implicit from years of decisions more quickly behavior interaction and cooperation. Because behavior is implicit, there is less need for formal communication and written documents. People tend to interact in teams of cross-functional participants. Decisions are based on collaboration and face-to-face dialogue around people of influence within the group. TIME Americans are often categorized by their fixation on time, processes and efficiency aren't prompt and are more relaxed with deadlines. In Russia, time is very elastic and fluid. A meeting set 3 weeks in advance may never occur, and missed deadlines don't carry the stigma that they do in the United States. However, these practices are slowly starting to change in Russia with pressures from the global business environment. On the other hand, other Asians are very punctual when it comes to meetings and deadlines; however, making decisions is often a very time-consuming process. Other cultures FORMALITY INDIVIDUALISM In some cultures, special ceremonial and social rituals must be more strictly followed than in other cultures. popular for people to go to work in jeans and tennis shoes and in other cultures a suit and tie are Individualism is an internal drive for independence and self-reliance that is valued among low-context cultures. People in North America responsibility and individual achievement. In contrast, high-context cultures value group membership and acceptance, shared values and consensus. Unlike North America, many Asian societies discourage certain qualities of individualism that include assertiveness and In North America, it's increasingly value individualism, personal required work attire. In Japan, the endorsement of a contract might involve a ritual exchange of business cards. In Mexico, a business meeting often begins with a small reception that includes simple introductions and beverages. While it is customary for North Americans to approach high-ranking company officials, low-ranking uncomfortable doing so. confrontation. in Japan, feel employees would very 866-371-4864 [email protected] 24hourtranslation.com A CERTIFIED WOMAN OWNED, U.S. DISABLED VETERAN OWNED COMPANY 0 2016 24 Hour Translation