Cross Cultural Cross Cultural CommunicationsCommunications

for the MI Analyst for the MI Analyst

The classification of this presentation The classification of this presentation is UNCLASSIFIEDis UNCLASSIFIED

ObjectiveObjectiveAction: Compare cultures using the Action: Compare cultures using the

25 aspects listed in the lesson. 25 aspects listed in the lesson. Conditions: Given student handoutsConditions: Given student handoutsStandards: Compared cultures using Standards: Compared cultures using

the 25 aspects listed in the lesson. the 25 aspects listed in the lesson.

AdministrativeAdministrativeThere are no safety requirements.There are no safety requirements.

The risk assessment level is low.The risk assessment level is low.

There are no environmental There are no environmental considerationsconsiderations

Evaluations Student ChecksEvaluations Student Checks

Why Study Culture ?Why Study Culture ? The “Ugly American”The “Ugly American”

threatens missionthreatens mission makes enemies for USmakes enemies for US distorted viewdistorted view

The Arab Perspective, The Arab Perspective, “The United States is “The United States is an evil nation corrupted by Hollywood filth which an evil nation corrupted by Hollywood filth which glorifies violence, sex and drugs. Their adulterous glorifies violence, sex and drugs. Their adulterous leaders support the Zionists and repressive “moderate” leaders support the Zionists and repressive “moderate” Arab regimes, and dare preach to us about democracy Arab regimes, and dare preach to us about democracy and human rights. Such arrogance.”and human rights. Such arrogance.”

“The lack of sensitivity to local customs, values, and feelings often creates tension which can assist those politically active groups disenchanted with the decisions of Gulf State governments.”

“To prevent a crisis, the US should ensure that it maintains as low a profile as possible while at the same time being aware of the cultural sensitivities and national pride of the local population.”

- Joseph Moynihan, Gulf Security in the 21st Century

Why Study Culture?

The American military man is a perfect target. He is a symbolof America’s military interests overseas. His death weakensthe ties between America and our country’s military rulers.

The American military people are paid to risk their lives for their country. Do not hesitate to kill them. Kill their wivesand children if necessary. Make America order them backhome or risk open rebellion in the streets of Washington.

American military members are highly visible targets. Theyseem to intentionally act in such a way to be culturally obnoxious and alienate themselves for no apparent reason.

- Hussein BalkirTurkish Workers andPeasants Liberation Army

Culture & Terrorism

Military DisasterMilitary Disaster

British invade British invade ZululandZululand

Lord ChelmsfordLord Chelmsford ““I can’t understand I can’t understand

it, I left a thousand it, I left a thousand men there.”men there.”

Battle of Battle of IsandlwanaIsandlwana

Rorke’s DriftRorke’s Drift

Reenactment of Isandlwana

Zulu ChiefLord Chelmsford

What is Culture?What is Culture?Now that we have established why culture Now that we have established why culture should be studied we must understand what should be studied we must understand what culture is.culture is.

Shirley Teper, an anthropologist, defines culture Shirley Teper, an anthropologist, defines culture as “…a habit system in which “truths” that have as “…a habit system in which “truths” that have been perpetuated by a group over centuries been perpetuated by a group over centuries have permeated the unconscious.” have permeated the unconscious.”

Culture is a Culture is a belief systembelief system that ties a society that ties a society together and gives a together and gives a perspective on the perspective on the order of the worldorder of the world (an outlook on life). (an outlook on life).

Opening the DoorOpening the Door

Archetype in Action: Think about when your supervisor calls you “Come to my office please”. As you go in your supervisor tells you “Close the door please!” How do you feel?

Cultural SensitivityCultural Sensitivity

Knowing & RespectingKnowing & Respecting Liking not requiredLiking not required Accepting differencesAccepting differences

By knowing people’s values By knowing people’s values and beliefs, you can come to and beliefs, you can come to expect and predict their expect and predict their behavior.behavior.

Surface behaviors are Surface behaviors are influenced by beneath the- influenced by beneath the- surface values and surface values and assumptions.assumptions.

14.14. Rules of Social EtiquetteRules of Social Etiquette15.15. Eating HabitsEating Habits16.16. FoodsFoods17.17. Importance of timeImportance of time18.18. Notions of ModestyNotions of Modesty19.19. FashionFashion20.20. Facial ExpressionsFacial Expressions21.21. GesturesGestures22.22. Concept of beautyConcept of beauty23.23. PaintingsPaintings24.24. MusicMusic25.25. LiteratureLiterature

Aspects of CultureAspects of Culture1.1. Understanding of the Natural WorldUnderstanding of the Natural World2.2. General World ViewGeneral World View3.3. Religious BeliefsReligious Beliefs4.4. Religious CustomsReligious Customs5.5. Holiday CustomsHoliday Customs6.6. ValuesValues7.7. Child raising beliefsChild raising beliefs8.8. Concept of selfConcept of self9.9. Social RelationshipsSocial Relationships10.10. Work EthicWork Ethic11.11. Concept of LeadershipConcept of Leadership12.12. Concept of Personal spaceConcept of Personal space13.13. Concept of FairnessConcept of Fairness

Practical Exercise #1

Above the WaterlineAbove the Waterline

01 – Concept of Self 01 – Concept of Self (Concept of Fairness, Understanding of the (Concept of Fairness, Understanding of the Natural World)Natural World)

03 – Religious rituals 03 – Religious rituals (Religious beliefs)(Religious beliefs)05 – Paintings 05 – Paintings (Concept of Beauty)(Concept of Beauty)07 – Literature 07 – Literature (Concept of Beauty)(Concept of Beauty)08 – Child raising 08 – Child raising (Values and Social Relationships)(Values and Social Relationships)09 – Leadership 09 – Leadership (Values and Social Relationships)(Values and Social Relationships)10 – Gestures 10 – Gestures (Concept of Modesty, Values, and Social Relationships)(Concept of Modesty, Values, and Social Relationships)11 – Holiday Customs 11 – Holiday Customs (Religious beliefs)(Religious beliefs)15 – Foods 15 – Foods (Religious beliefs and Understanding of the Natural World)(Religious beliefs and Understanding of the Natural World)16 – Eating Habits 16 – Eating Habits (Religious beliefs, and Social Relationships)(Religious beliefs, and Social Relationships)18 – Work Ethic 18 – Work Ethic (importance of time and values)(importance of time and values)21 – Music 21 – Music (Concept of Beauty)(Concept of Beauty)22 – Fashion 22 – Fashion (Concept of Beauty and Social Relationships)(Concept of Beauty and Social Relationships)24 – Personal Space 24 – Personal Space (Values, Social Relationships, and Concept of (Values, Social Relationships, and Concept of

Modesty)Modesty)

Below the WaterlineBelow the Waterline 02 – Religious beliefs 02 – Religious beliefs (Religious rituals, holiday (Religious rituals, holiday

customs, foods, and eating habits)customs, foods, and eating habits) 04 – Importance of Time 04 – Importance of Time (work ethic)(work ethic) 06 – Values 06 – Values (Child Raising , Leadership, Gestures, and (Child Raising , Leadership, Gestures, and

work ethic)work ethic) 12 – Concept of Fairness 12 – Concept of Fairness (self)(self) 13 – Social relationships 13 – Social relationships (child raising, leadership, (child raising, leadership,

gestures, eating habits, fashion, and personal space)gestures, eating habits, fashion, and personal space) 14 – Concept of Modesty 14 – Concept of Modesty (gestures and personal space)(gestures and personal space) 17 – Understanding of the Natural World 17 – Understanding of the Natural World (self, foods)(self, foods) 20 – Concept of Beauty 20 – Concept of Beauty (determines Paintings, (determines Paintings,

Literature, Music and Fashion)Literature, Music and Fashion)

Culture is LearnedCulture is LearnedCulture is learned not geneticCulture is learned not genetic

Shapes behavior & consciousnessShapes behavior & consciousnessCulture is everywhereCulture is everywhere

Humans are social animalsHumans are social animalsIndividuals cannot survive on their ownIndividuals cannot survive on their ownLarger groups require more complexityLarger groups require more complexity

Culture vehicle for organizationCulture vehicle for organizationCulture is always evolving and changingCulture is always evolving and changing

Everything that is taught is not always learnedEverything that is taught is not always learnedTechnology & Trauma can change cultureTechnology & Trauma can change cultureContext can evolve over time as wellContext can evolve over time as well

Shampoo

Culture & Social Culture & Social OrganizationOrganization

Cultures evolve into civilizationsCultures evolve into civilizations Government harness resources and protects from invasionGovernment harness resources and protects from invasion Political stability establishes sound economyPolitical stability establishes sound economy Strong economy encourages specialization and inventionStrong economy encourages specialization and invention

Technology - skills or procedures necessary to make or use toolsTechnology - skills or procedures necessary to make or use tools New technologies - emerging technologies have a significant impact on New technologies - emerging technologies have a significant impact on

social lifesocial life Washing MachineWashing Machine AutomobileAutomobile AirplaneAirplane InternetInternet

System of education indoctrinates new membersSystem of education indoctrinates new members Understand Culture and become a student of HistoryUnderstand Culture and become a student of History

Understand Conflicts of TodayUnderstand Conflicts of Today Predict Conflicts of TomorrowPredict Conflicts of Tomorrow Predict Adversarial Courses of ActionPredict Adversarial Courses of Action

Cultural ConditioningCultural Conditioning Occurs mostly in childhoodOccurs mostly in childhood

Basic activities (eating, walking, talking, etc)Basic activities (eating, walking, talking, etc) Adult conditioningAdult conditioning

New behaviorsNew behaviors New ways to perform old behaviorsNew ways to perform old behaviors

Cultural ConditioningCultural Conditioning Observation/InstructionObservation/Instruction ImitationImitation ReinforcementReinforcement InternalizationInternalization Spontaneous manifestationSpontaneous manifestation

Cultural AwarenessCultural AwarenessUnconscious IncompetenceUnconscious Incompetence

Blissful ignoranceBlissful ignoranceUnaware of cultural Unaware of cultural differencesdifferences

Conscious IncompetenceConscious IncompetenceConscious CompetenceConscious CompetenceUnconscious CompetenceUnconscious Competence

American CultureAmerican CultureEssential to CCC – knowing yourselfEssential to CCC – knowing yourself

Similarities & differences can be Similarities & differences can be comparedcompared

People People fromfrom culture sometimes have culture sometimes have difficulty seeing their owndifficulty seeing their own

““out of body experience”out of body experience”Americans are diverseAmericans are diverseAmericans share a core set of values Americans share a core set of values

& beliefs& beliefsLego © Study

American CultureAmerican Culture Frontier CultureFrontier Culture

IndividualismIndividualism Achievement & SuccessAchievement & Success Freedom & DemocracyFreedom & Democracy

EgalitarianEgalitarian InformalInformal

ProvidenceProvidence Risk takingRisk taking ReligiosityReligiosity

Yankee IngenuityYankee Ingenuity Science & TechnologyScience & Technology Efficiency & PracticalityEfficiency & Practicality

CommunicationCommunication Direct & BluntDirect & Blunt HonestyHonesty Saving Face not a prioritySaving Face not a priority

Sources of American CultureSources of American Culture PROTESTANTISM PROTESTANTISM

A strong work ethic—work is intrinsically good—and the A strong work ethic—work is intrinsically good—and the notion of predestination, that salvation is apparent notion of predestination, that salvation is apparent through worldly successthrough worldly success

GEOGRAPHYGEOGRAPHY The frontier, unlimited resources and opportunity, The frontier, unlimited resources and opportunity,

isolation, sparse population, distance from Europeisolation, sparse population, distance from Europe FREEDOM & INDEPENDENCEFREEDOM & INDEPENDENCE

From religious and economic repression and rigid class From religious and economic repression and rigid class system and social stratificationsystem and social stratification

THE MELTING POT THE MELTING POT Out of the mainstream in home country, dissatisfied with Out of the mainstream in home country, dissatisfied with

lot in life, willing to take risks, adventuresomelot in life, willing to take risks, adventuresome

Practical Exercise #2 & #3

How Non-Americans see How Non-Americans see AmericansAmericans

Decisive Decisive Energetic Energetic Honest Honest IndustriousIndustriousSexySexySelf-indulgentSelf-indulgentSophisticated Sophisticated

Intelligent Intelligent Friendly Friendly GreedyGreedyNationalisticNationalisticInventiveInventiveLazyLazyRudeRude

Practical Exercise #4

Why are you Americans always Why are you Americans always in such a hurry to get things in such a hurry to get things

done?done?

We often seem this way because of our We often seem this way because of our tendency to use tendency to use achievementsachievements and and accomplishmentsaccomplishments as a measure of a as a measure of a person’s worth. We’re in a hurry to get person’s worth. We’re in a hurry to get things done because it’s only then that things done because it’s only then that we feel we have proved our worth.we feel we have proved our worth.

Why do you Americans insist on Why do you Americans insist on treating everyone the same?treating everyone the same?

We do this because of a deep We do this because of a deep cultural instinct toward cultural instinct toward egalitarianismegalitarianism, which was a reaction , which was a reaction to the class system and, before that, to the class system and, before that, the feudal system that existed in the feudal system that existed in Europe. In cultures where inequality Europe. In cultures where inequality is more accepted, our insistence on is more accepted, our insistence on egalitarianism may be grating.egalitarianism may be grating.

Why do you Americans always Why do you Americans always have to say what you’re have to say what you’re

thinking?thinking?

We believe that being We believe that being directdirect is the most is the most efficient way to communicate. And being efficient way to communicate. And being more more efficientefficient means you get more done. means you get more done.

Why do you Americans always Why do you Americans always want to change things?want to change things?

We think things can always be better, We think things can always be better, that that progressprogress is inevitable. Older cultures is inevitable. Older cultures are more skeptical because they have are more skeptical because they have been around longer and seen more.been around longer and seen more.

Why don’t you Americans show Why don’t you Americans show more respect for your seniors and more respect for your seniors and

elders?elders?

We respect We respect resultsresults, not age or , not age or authority. Therefore, unless an authority. Therefore, unless an elder or a senior also happens to be elder or a senior also happens to be a superior achiever, there is no a superior achiever, there is no automatic respect.automatic respect.

Why do you Americans always Why do you Americans always think things are going to get think things are going to get

better?better?

We are We are optimistsoptimists because we believe because we believe the locus of the locus of control is in ourselvescontrol is in ourselves. . Therefore, the only obstacle to things Therefore, the only obstacle to things getting better is a personal lack of will getting better is a personal lack of will or effort, which is eminently fixable.or effort, which is eminently fixable.

Why are you Americans so Why are you Americans so concerned about individual concerned about individual

recognition?recognition?

IndividualismIndividualism is ingrained in us. Not being is ingrained in us. Not being used to working together that much, we used to working together that much, we don’t trust team or group recognition.don’t trust team or group recognition.

Why are you Americans so Why are you Americans so impatient?impatient?

If things take a long time to do, we can If things take a long time to do, we can do fewer of them. And when you’re do fewer of them. And when you’re counting counting achievements, more is betterachievements, more is better..

ETHNOCENTRISMETHNOCENTRISMThe point of view that The point of view that one’s own culture is to be one’s own culture is to be preferred to all others.preferred to all others.

NEGATIVE NEGATIVE ETHNOCENTRISMETHNOCENTRISM

PrejudicePrejudice Cognitive = believing stereotypesCognitive = believing stereotypes Emotional = feeling toward another personEmotional = feeling toward another person Behavioral = engaging in discriminationBehavioral = engaging in discrimination

StereotypesStereotypes repeated & exaggeratedrepeated & exaggerated continuously reinforcedcontinuously reinforced almost impossible to unlearnalmost impossible to unlearn

RacismRacism: outward manifestation of prejudice: outward manifestation of prejudice

Sports and StereotypesSports and Stereotypes

Cultural AwarenessCultural AwarenessUnconscious IncompetenceUnconscious Incompetence

Blissful ignoranceBlissful ignoranceUnaware of cultural differencesUnaware of cultural differences

Conscious IncompetenceConscious IncompetenceRealize differences existRealize differences exist““How do I figure these people out”How do I figure these people out”

Conscious CompetenceConscious CompetenceUnconscious CompetenceUnconscious Competence

Cultural RelativismCultural RelativismTo counter our tendency to use our To counter our tendency to use our

own culture as a tool for judgment, we own culture as a tool for judgment, we can practice can practice cultural relativismcultural relativism. .

Practicing cultural relativism allows us Practicing cultural relativism allows us to understand another culture on its to understand another culture on its own terms.own terms.

We can analyze how the elements of We can analyze how the elements of culture fit together without judgment.culture fit together without judgment.

Ethnocentrism vs. Cultural Ethnocentrism vs. Cultural relativismrelativism

Ethnocentrism – DenialEthnocentrism – Denial Associated with Unconscious IncompetenceAssociated with Unconscious Incompetence Disbelief in cultural differencesDisbelief in cultural differences Think people who behave differently “don’t know any better”Think people who behave differently “don’t know any better” Impose their own values on others (UGLY AMERICAN)Impose their own values on others (UGLY AMERICAN) Not threatened by cultural differencesNot threatened by cultural differences

Ethnocentrism – DefenseEthnocentrism – Defense Associated with Conscious IncompetenceAssociated with Conscious Incompetence Recognize differences Recognize differences and not happy about itand not happy about it Threatened by cultural differences & convinced of their own Threatened by cultural differences & convinced of their own

superioritysuperiority Don’t try to impose values but instead prefer to avoid contactDon’t try to impose values but instead prefer to avoid contact

Ethnocentrism – MinimizationEthnocentrism – Minimization Associated with Conscious IncompetenceAssociated with Conscious Incompetence Still believe new culture is inferior, but minimizes differencesStill believe new culture is inferior, but minimizes differences ““We may be different on the surface, but deep down we are the We may be different on the surface, but deep down we are the

same”same”

Cultural AwarenessCultural AwarenessUnconscious IncompetenceUnconscious IncompetenceConscious IncompetenceConscious IncompetenceConscious CompetenceConscious Competence

Recognize differencesRecognize differencesConscious effort to adjust behaviorsConscious effort to adjust behaviorsObjectivity key to “figuring these people Objectivity key to “figuring these people

out”out”Unconscious CompetenceUnconscious Competence

Culturally sensitiveCulturally sensitiveNew behaviors second natureNew behaviors second nature

Ethnocentrism vs. Cultural Ethnocentrism vs. Cultural relativismrelativism

Cultural Relativism – AcceptanceCultural Relativism – AcceptanceAssociated with Conscious IncompetenceAssociated with Conscious IncompetenceRecognize and accept cultural differences Recognize and accept cultural differences

without judgmentwithout judgment““Live and let live”Live and let live”

Cultural Relativism – Adaptation & Cultural Relativism – Adaptation & IntegrationIntegrationConscious and Unconscious CompetenceConscious and Unconscious CompetenceBehavior and attitude changeBehavior and attitude change““Bicultural” or “Multicultural”Bicultural” or “Multicultural”Does not mean original culture is abandonedDoes not mean original culture is abandoned

Values & BeliefsValues & Beliefs To understand To understand why why people behave the way people behave the way

they do learn about values & beliefsthey do learn about values & beliefs UniversalUniversal refers to ways in which all refers to ways in which all

people in all groups are the samepeople in all groups are the same Cultural Cultural refers to what a particular refers to what a particular group group

of people have in common with each other of people have in common with each other and how they are different from every and how they are different from every other other groupgroup

PersonalPersonal describes the ways in which describes the ways in which each one of us is different from everyone each one of us is different from everyone else, including those in our groupelse, including those in our group

Cultural UniversalsCultural UniversalsCultural universalsCultural universals - values, norms, or - values, norms, or

other cultural traits that are found other cultural traits that are found everywhere.everywhere.

Although there are universal human Although there are universal human activities, there is no universally accepted activities, there is no universally accepted way of doing any of them.way of doing any of them.

Humans have no biological imperative Humans have no biological imperative that results in one particular form of that results in one particular form of behavior throughout the world.behavior throughout the world.

PE # 5

Values and BeliefsValues and BeliefsCulture allows social organizationCulture allows social organizationValues and Beliefs keep individuals in lineValues and Beliefs keep individuals in lineBelief Systems are religionsBelief Systems are religions

““Opium of the masses”-Karl MarxOpium of the masses”-Karl MarxValues differentiate between right and Values differentiate between right and

wrong and good and evilwrong and good and evilValues and beliefs explain the purpose of it Values and beliefs explain the purpose of it

all (Philosophical Worldview)all (Philosophical Worldview)Culture of Conflict in America, Asia, AfricaCulture of Conflict in America, Asia, Africa

Values, Norms, Values, Norms, & Sanctions& Sanctions

ValuesValues - ideas of what is desirable in - ideas of what is desirable in life.life.Values are the standards by which people Values are the standards by which people

define good and bad.define good and bad.NormsNorms - describe rules of behavior - describe rules of behavior

that develop out of a group’s values.that develop out of a group’s values.SanctionsSanctions - positive or negative - positive or negative

reactions to the ways in which people reactions to the ways in which people follow norms.follow norms.

Folkways, Mores, Folkways, Mores, and Taboosand Taboos

FolkwaysFolkways - norms - norms that are not that are not strictly enforced.strictly enforced.

If someone does If someone does not follow a not follow a folkway, we may folkway, we may stare or shrug our stare or shrug our shoulders.shoulders.

MoresMores - norms that - norms that are considered are considered essential to our core essential to our core values.values.

Taboos Taboos - norms so - norms so strongly ingrained strongly ingrained that even the that even the thought of its thought of its violation is greeted violation is greeted with revulsion.with revulsion.

Individualist or CollectivistIndividualist or Collectivist

IndividualistIndividualist Identity primarily with selfIdentity primarily with self

Self-sufficiency=group well Self-sufficiency=group well beingbeing

Independence & self-relianceIndependence & self-reliance Psychological & emotional Psychological & emotional

distance distance One may One may choose choose to join to join

groups, but groups, but group membership group membership notnot

essential to one’s identity or essential to one’s identity or success. success.

Individualist characteristics Individualist characteristics are often associated with are often associated with men and people in urban men and people in urban settings.settings.

CollectivistCollectivist Identity within group Identity within group

importantimportant Success of group=individual Success of group=individual

survivalsurvival Looking out for other’s in Looking out for other’s in

your own interestyour own interest Harmony & interdependence Harmony & interdependence

stressed & valued. stressed & valued. Psychological & emotional Psychological & emotional

closenesscloseness distance toward nonmembersdistance toward nonmembers

Collectivist characteristics are Collectivist characteristics are often associated with women often associated with women and people in rural settings.and people in rural settings.

Practical Exercise #6

Answer – PE #6Answer – PE #6Person A: $5000Person A: $5000

Person B: $5000Person B: $5000

Person C: $5000Person C: $5000

Person D: Person D: $5000$5000

Practical Exercise #7-10

Personal vs. Societal Personal vs. Societal Obligations Obligations

Results PE #10Results PE #10Percentage of Americans who said they Percentage of Americans who said they

would not: 96%would not: 96%Percentage of Venezuelans who said Percentage of Venezuelans who said

they would not: 34%they would not: 34%What do you think accounts for the What do you think accounts for the

great difference between Venezuelan great difference between Venezuelan and American percentages? and American percentages?

Universalism vs. ParticularismUniversalism vs. Particularism

Universalism vs. ParticularismUniversalism vs. ParticularismUniversalismUniversalism

Some absolutes across Some absolutes across the board the board

Fairness for all, no Fairness for all, no exceptionsexceptions

ObjectivityObjectivity Life is not fair, be we Life is not fair, be we

can becan be

ParticularismParticularism Circumstances Circumstances

determine actiondetermine action Family first, world can Family first, world can

fend for itselffend for itself The group will protect The group will protect

youyou There are no There are no

absolutesabsolutes Exceptions made for Exceptions made for

certain peoplecertain people

Practical Exercise #11 & #12

Cultural ContextCultural Context In the eye of the beholderIn the eye of the beholderAny behavior observed across the Any behavior observed across the

cultural divide, therefore, has to be cultural divide, therefore, has to be interpreted in two ways: interpreted in two ways: the meaning given to it by the the meaning given to it by the

person who person who does does the action, andthe action, andthe meaning given to it by the the meaning given to it by the

person who person who observes observes the actionthe action

Behavior and ContextBehavior and Context Marijuana in USA Marijuana in USA

vs Hollandvs Holland Hunting in New Hunting in New

York vs AlaskaYork vs Alaska THE BOOK OF THE BOOK OF

EMBRACESEMBRACES by by Eduardo GalleanoEduardo Galleano

Kiss and ContextKiss and Context Four KissesFour Kisses

ParentalParental SocialSocial CeremonialCeremonial EroticErotic

Kiss out of Context-Kiss out of Context-ConsequencesConsequences Folkway ?Folkway ? Taboo ?Taboo ?

Cultural Theory of RelativityCultural Theory of Relativity

HouseHouse USAUSA AfricaAfrica

RainRain Positive ?Positive ? Negative ?Negative ?

Concept of TimeConcept of TimeLining up and not lining up are culturally determined Lining up and not lining up are culturally determined

behaviorsbehaviors

Two poles of Time:Two poles of Time: MonochromicMonochromic

Time is the givenTime is the given People are variablesPeople are variables The needs of people adjusted to suit demands of time (schedules & The needs of people adjusted to suit demands of time (schedules &

deadlines)deadlines) ““Time is money”Time is money” ““One thing at a time”One thing at a time” Interruptions are an inconvenienceInterruptions are an inconvenience

PolychromicPolychromic Time is tool of peopleTime is tool of people Time is flexibleTime is flexible More is available, not lessMore is available, not less ““Man~ana”Man~ana” Several things done at onceSeveral things done at once Interruptions are a part of lifeInterruptions are a part of life

PE’s #13 & #14

Concept of Power DistanceConcept of Power Distance Attitude towards InequalityAttitude towards Inequality

Different levels of status & access to powerDifferent levels of status & access to power Most evident in workplace relationsMost evident in workplace relations

Two poles of PowerTwo poles of Power High Power DistanceHigh Power Distance

Inequality is natural & acceptedInequality is natural & acceptedThose with power emphasize it (elites)Those with power emphasize it (elites)No delegation & lack of initiativeNo delegation & lack of initiative

Low Power DistanceLow Power DistancePower & status are artificialPower & status are artificialDeemphasized to minimize differencesDeemphasized to minimize differencesDelegation and initiative encouragedDelegation and initiative encouraged

PE #15

Attitude towards StatusAttitude towards Status Similar to Power Distance & Individualism / Similar to Power Distance & Individualism /

CollectivismCollectivism Two poles of StatusTwo poles of Status

Achieved Status (doing)Achieved Status (doing) People respected for personal accomplishmentsPeople respected for personal accomplishments Status is earnedStatus is earned Less impressed by titlesLess impressed by titles Using Education is importantUsing Education is important Status is not permanent (lack of productivity = low status)Status is not permanent (lack of productivity = low status)

Ascribed Status (being)Ascribed Status (being) Status automatic & difficult to loseStatus automatic & difficult to lose Can be determined by birth or school attendedCan be determined by birth or school attended Acquiring Education importantAcquiring Education important Stickler for titlesStickler for titles Status & Face defended fiercelyStatus & Face defended fiercely

PE #16

Attitude towards FateAttitude towards Fate Fate – the inherent uncertainty in lifeFate – the inherent uncertainty in life

Creates anxiety in all culturesCreates anxiety in all cultures Different responsesDifferent responses

US response = technologyUS response = technology Others = religionOthers = religion

Two poles of FateTwo poles of Fate High Uncertainty AvoidanceHigh Uncertainty Avoidance

““Group paranoia”, the unknown is frighteningGroup paranoia”, the unknown is frightening More laws, regulations, policies & proceduresMore laws, regulations, policies & procedures Strong tendency toward conformityStrong tendency toward conformity

Low Uncertainty AvoidanceLow Uncertainty Avoidance More tolerance for differencesMore tolerance for differences More curious than frightened of the unknownMore curious than frightened of the unknown Life is interestingLife is interesting Risk takingRisk taking

PE #17

Attitude towards FateAttitude towards Fate People from different cultures may see People from different cultures may see

their ability to influence external events their ability to influence external events very differently.very differently.

Which of the following two statements do Which of the following two statements do you most agree with? you most agree with? A. A. What happens to me is my own doing.What happens to me is my own doing. B. B. Sometimes I feel I don’t have control over Sometimes I feel I don’t have control over

the direction my life is taking.the direction my life is taking. Percentage of Americans who chose A = Percentage of Americans who chose A =

89%89% Percentage of Chinese who chose A = 35%Percentage of Chinese who chose A = 35%

Attitude towards the Universe Attitude towards the Universe The Locus of ControlThe Locus of Control

Cultures differ greatly upon a person’s place in Cultures differ greatly upon a person’s place in the worldthe world

Two poles of ControlTwo poles of Control InternalInternal

Within the individualWithin the individual No limits on what I can doNo limits on what I can do ““The sky’s the limit”The sky’s the limit” ““Life is what I do”Life is what I do”

ExternalExternal PredeterminationPredetermination There are boundaries that cannot be crossedThere are boundaries that cannot be crossed ““Life happens to me”Life happens to me”

PE #18

Culture & SymbolsCulture & Symbols Symbolic cultureSymbolic culture

- nonmaterial - nonmaterial culture whose culture whose central components central components are symbols.are symbols. A symbolA symbol - -

something to which something to which people attach people attach meaning and which meaning and which they use to they use to communicate. communicate.

GesturesGestures - involve - involve using one’s body to using one’s body to communicate.communicate.

LanguageLanguage - a - a system of symbols system of symbols that can be strung that can be strung together in an together in an infinite number of infinite number of ways for the purpose ways for the purpose of communicating.of communicating.

CommunicationCommunication Integral part of cultureIntegral part of cultureMore complicated in cross-cultural More complicated in cross-cultural

contextcontextDid you mean what you said?Did you mean what you said?Was what you said received as you meant?Was what you said received as you meant?

Misunderstandings and Misunderstandings and miscommunications most common miscommunications most common frustrations in CCCfrustrations in CCC

Examine American communication styles Examine American communication styles and compareand compare

What Language DoesWhat Language DoesAll human groups have a language.All human groups have a language.Language allows for experiences to be Language allows for experiences to be

passed from one generation to the nextpassed from one generation to the nextLanguage allows culture by freeing Language allows culture by freeing

people to move beyond their immediate people to move beyond their immediate experiencesexperiences

Language provides us a past and a Language provides us a past and a future, as well as shared future, as well as shared understandings.understandings.

Sapir – Whorf HypothesisSapir – Whorf HypothesisLanguage has embedded within it Language has embedded within it

ways of looking at the worldways of looking at the worldNo Arabic word for “privacy”, word for No Arabic word for “privacy”, word for

“loneliness” comes closest“loneliness” comes closestChinese word for “four” also means Chinese word for “four” also means

“death”“death”Thinking and perception are shaped Thinking and perception are shaped

by languageby language

Indirect/High vs. Direct/LowIndirect/High vs. Direct/LowIndirect / High ContextIndirect / High Context

Unconscious understanding Unconscious understanding requiredrequired

Common in homogenous & Common in homogenous & collectivist societiescollectivist societies Asia, Middle East, AfricaAsia, Middle East, Africa People know & understand each People know & understand each

otherother Less reliance on wordsLess reliance on words More reliance on non-verbal More reliance on non-verbal

communicationcommunication Manipulation of context used to Manipulation of context used to

convey messageconvey message What is said is not necessarily What is said is not necessarily

what is meantwhat is meant ““Reading between the lines”Reading between the lines”

Maintaining harmony & saving Maintaining harmony & saving face paramountface paramount

Direct / Low ContextDirect / Low Context Heterogeneous & Heterogeneous &

individualist individualist North America, EuropeNorth America, Europe Less is assumedLess is assumed More independence & More independence &

emotional distanceemotional distance ““I mean what I say”I mean what I say” Less reliance on non-Less reliance on non-

verbalverbal Getting or giving info Getting or giving info

more important more important

PE #19

Practicing IndirectnessPracticing Indirectness I don’t think that’s such a I don’t think that’s such a

good idea.good idea. Do you think that’s a good Do you think that’s a good

idea? idea? Are there any other ideas? Are there any other ideas? I like most parts of that idea. I like most parts of that idea.

That’s not the point.That’s not the point. That’s an interesting point.That’s an interesting point. That’s another good pointThat’s another good point

I think we should....I think we should.... I have a possible suggestion.I have a possible suggestion. What do you think about this What do you think about this

idea?idea? I don’t agree. I don’t agree.

What do you think of this What do you think of this idea?idea?

May I make a suggestion?May I make a suggestion?

What do you think, Mr. Cato? What do you think, Mr. Cato? ((Calling on people sometimes Calling on people sometimes embarrasses them. How can embarrasses them. How can you find out what Mr. Cato you find out what Mr. Cato thinks without directly asking thinks without directly asking him?) him?) Does anyone else have any Does anyone else have any

suggestions?suggestions? Have we heard all opinions?Have we heard all opinions?

Those figures are not Those figures are not accurate. accurate. I have some other figures here.I have some other figures here. Those figures may be slightly Those figures may be slightly

old.old. You’re doing that wrong. You’re doing that wrong.

I would do that like this.I would do that like this. Have you tried doing it this Have you tried doing it this

way?way?

Decoding IndirectnessDecoding Indirectness That is a very interesting That is a very interesting

viewpoint.viewpoint. I don’t agree.I don’t agree. We need to talk more We need to talk more

about this.about this. You’re wrong.You’re wrong.

This proposal deserves This proposal deserves further consideration.further consideration.

We don’t like it.We don’t like it. It needs work.It needs work. Propose something else.Propose something else.

I know very little about I know very little about this, but....this, but....

I’m something of an expert I’m something of an expert on this but am too polite to on this but am too polite to say so.say so.

What I think we should do What I think we should do is...is...

We understand your We understand your proposal very well.proposal very well. Do you have another one?Do you have another one? We don’t like it.We don’t like it.

We will try our best.We will try our best. Don’t expect much to Don’t expect much to

happen.happen. I heard another story about I heard another story about

that project.that project. I don’t agree with what you I don’t agree with what you

said about that project.said about that project. Can we move on to the next Can we move on to the next

topic?topic? We don’t want to talk about We don’t want to talk about

this now.this now. We need to consult with We need to consult with

people not in the room people not in the room before we can decide.before we can decide.

Nonverbal CommunicationNonverbal Communication Verbal & nonverbal Verbal & nonverbal Nonverbal accounts for majority of Nonverbal accounts for majority of

CommunicationCommunication Nonverbal communication is subconsciousNonverbal communication is subconscious Four subcategories of nonverbal Four subcategories of nonverbal

communicationcommunication GesturesGestures Eye ContactEye Contact Facial ExpressionFacial Expression Personal Space & TouchingPersonal Space & Touching

GesturesGestures Gestures help identify the context of the Gestures help identify the context of the

conversation (i.e. friendly, confrontational, leader-conversation (i.e. friendly, confrontational, leader-follower)follower)

ObserveObserve Hands (open or closed, together or apart)Hands (open or closed, together or apart) Arms (folded or open)Arms (folded or open) Fingers (curled or strait, pointing?)Fingers (curled or strait, pointing?) Whole body (slouching, good posture)Whole body (slouching, good posture)

Watch forWatch for Amount of gesturingAmount of gesturing Gestures that accompany interruptions (talk to the hand)Gestures that accompany interruptions (talk to the hand) Gestures that indicate conversation is over (waving)Gestures that indicate conversation is over (waving) Disagreement (shaking of finger)Disagreement (shaking of finger) Displeasure (folded arms)Displeasure (folded arms) Pattern of eye contact (dominance, intimacy)Pattern of eye contact (dominance, intimacy)

Eye ContactEye Contact Observe the degree and nature of eye contact in Observe the degree and nature of eye contact in

as many of the following situations as possible:as many of the following situations as possible: Between two men of the same age:Between two men of the same age: Between two women of the same age:Between two women of the same age: Between an elderly person and a younger person:Between an elderly person and a younger person: Between a man and woman:Between a man and woman: Between a husband and a wife:Between a husband and a wife: Between a boss and an employee:Between a boss and an employee: Between a student and a teacher:Between a student and a teacher: Between a parent and a child:Between a parent and a child: Between strangers passing on the street:Between strangers passing on the street:

What are the implications of more or less eye What are the implications of more or less eye contact?contact?

Facial ExpressionsFacial ExpressionsObserve what people do with their Observe what people do with their

head, eyes, eyebrows, mouth, nose, head, eyes, eyebrows, mouth, nose, chin, or actions taken with the head chin, or actions taken with the head and the hands. and the hands. FrownsFrownsSmilesSmilesWrinklingWrinklingNostril FlaringNostril Flaring

Personal Space & TouchingPersonal Space & Touching Observe how close various kinds of people stand to Observe how close various kinds of people stand to

each other and how much and in which parts of the each other and how much and in which parts of the body the following people touch each other: in various body the following people touch each other: in various settings:settings: In normal conversation, at work, or on the streetIn normal conversation, at work, or on the street In line at the post office, bank, cinema, etc.In line at the post office, bank, cinema, etc. In an elevator, crowded or uncrowdedIn an elevator, crowded or uncrowded Two men Two men Two womenTwo women Two childrenTwo children An older and younger personAn older and younger person Parent and child Parent and child A man and womanA man and woman Husband and wife Husband and wife

What are the implications of more or less personal What are the implications of more or less personal space and touching?space and touching?

Social RelationshipsSocial Relationships

PE #19

Cycles of AdjustmentCycles of Adjustment Initial Enthusiasm (the Honeymoon)Initial Enthusiasm (the Honeymoon)

Time Frame: First week or two in countryTime Frame: First week or two in country Characteristics:Characteristics:

Excitement & enthusiasmExcitement & enthusiasm Initial Culture ShockInitial Culture Shock

Time Frame: First few weeks in countryTime Frame: First few weeks in country CharacteristicsCharacteristics

FrustrationFrustration Vulnerability & DependenceVulnerability & Dependence HomesicknessHomesickness Lack of routineLack of routine Close bonds formed with other AmericansClose bonds formed with other Americans

Initial AdjustmentInitial Adjustment Time Frame: 3 – 6 months in countryTime Frame: 3 – 6 months in country CharacteristicsCharacteristics

Routines establishedRoutines established Climate change accomplishedClimate change accomplished Increased confidenceIncreased confidence

Culture ShockCulture Shock The disorientation that people The disorientation that people

experience when they come into experience when they come into contact with a different culture.contact with a different culture.

Common symptoms of Culture Shock:Common symptoms of Culture Shock:HomesicknessBoredomWithdrawalExcessive sleepCompulsive eatingCompulsive drinkingIrritability

Excessive cleanlinessMarital stressFamily tension and conflictChauvinistic excessesStereotyping of host nationalsLoss of ability to work effectivelyUnexplained fits of weepingPhysical ailments (psychosomatic illnesses)

Coping StrategiesCoping Strategies Learn new ways of doing things;Learn new ways of doing things; Learn to do things you’ve never done before;Learn to do things you’ve never done before; Stop doing things you can no longer do;Stop doing things you can no longer do; Adjust to an entirely new set of people;Adjust to an entirely new set of people; Learn to live and work in an environment Learn to live and work in an environment

where you speak a foreign language;where you speak a foreign language; Get used to various new and unusual Get used to various new and unusual

phenomena;phenomena; Learn to live without all kinds of familiar Learn to live without all kinds of familiar

phenomena.phenomena.

Coping StrategiesCoping StrategiesThings I can do with other peopleThings I can do with other people

Invite people overInvite people overGo and visit someoneGo and visit someoneTelephone someoneTelephone someoneGo to a movie, cafe, etc. with someoneGo to a movie, cafe, etc. with someonePlay a game with someonePlay a game with someoneParticipate in a team sportParticipate in a team sportVolunteer my services to a needy causeVolunteer my services to a needy cause

Coping StrategiesCoping Strategies Things I can do on my ownThings I can do on my own

Read Read Play cardsPlay cards Listen to musicListen to music Cook a mealCook a meal Take a walk Take a walk MeditateMeditate Go to a movie Go to a movie Write in my journalWrite in my journal Go to a restaurant or caféGo to a restaurant or café Go shoppingGo shopping ExerciseExercise Listen to the radioListen to the radio Garden Garden Take some picturesTake some pictures

Coping StrategiesCoping Strategies Things I can do on my ownThings I can do on my own

Call home Call home Look at photosLook at photos Write letters Write letters Make a tape to send homeMake a tape to send home Play an instrument Play an instrument Take a rideTake a ride Solve puzzles Solve puzzles Watch birdsWatch birds Practice a craft Practice a craft Take a tripTake a trip Watch television Watch television Watch peopleWatch people Study language Study language Deep breathingDeep breathing

Coping StrategiesCoping Strategies Things I can remind myself ofThings I can remind myself of

This will pass.This will pass. It’s not the end of the world.It’s not the end of the world. I came here to experience a challenge.I came here to experience a challenge. I’ve been through worse than this.I’ve been through worse than this. It’s natural to feel down from time to time.It’s natural to feel down from time to time. No pain; no gain.No pain; no gain. It’s not just me.It’s not just me. Things didn’t always go well back home either.Things didn’t always go well back home either. I have taken on a lot; I should expect to feel I have taken on a lot; I should expect to feel

overwhelmed from time to time.overwhelmed from time to time.

Coping StrategiesCoping Strategies Ways I can improve my language skillsWays I can improve my language skills

Talk to childrenTalk to children Talk to older people (who have more time and patience!)Talk to older people (who have more time and patience!) Go to a cafe and eavesdropGo to a cafe and eavesdrop Listen to the radio or TVListen to the radio or TV Join a club or sports teamJoin a club or sports team Participate in some other kind of group activityParticipate in some other kind of group activity Study a language textbookStudy a language textbook Do exercises in a language textbookDo exercises in a language textbook Listen to language tapesListen to language tapes Ask a host country informant to tape record key Ask a host country informant to tape record key

language phrases that I can practice language phrases that I can practice

SourcesSourcesRichard Hooker, “What is Culture?”, Richard Hooker, “What is Culture?”,

Washington State UniversityWashington State Universitywww.wsu.edu/gened/learn-modules/www.wsu.edu/gened/learn-modules/

top_culture/culture-definition.htmltop_culture/culture-definition.htmlWebofculture.comWebofculture.comCornell UniversityCornell UniversityRosaldo ConsultingRosaldo ConsultingPeace CorpsPeace Corps

““Culture Matters”Culture Matters”

Questions ?Questions ?

The classification of this The classification of this presentation was presentation was

UNCLASSIFIEDUNCLASSIFIED