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By studying and preparing to adapt to a culture in another country, people can participate and benefit from doing business there.

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To explain how social institutions can help people adapt to a new culture

To identify ways to overcome stereotyping and cultural bias

To discuss how preparation and participation help improve cultural literacy

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The ability to adapt to cultural differences promotes personal and professional growth.

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socialinstitutions

the organizations that represent the patterns of activity that express the culture of a country

cultureshock

a reaction that newcomers to a culture may experience

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culturalbaggage

a set of cultural attitudes that include the beliefs, values, and assumptions that people carry with them throughout life

culturalbias

a preconceived attitude of favoring or disliking a particular culture

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stereotyping

the practice of identifying a person or group by a single trait, or as a member of a certain group instead of as an individual

ethnocentrismthe belief that one’s own culture is better than all other cultures

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Social Influences in Cultural Adjustment

How do you adjust to a new culture?

Identify the social institutions of the country.

Recognize how the social institutions operate.

Learn how to overcome culture shock.

Prepare for, adjust to, and participate in the culture of a new country.

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Social Institutions

The first step of adjusting to a culture is to identify the social institutions.

social institutions

the organizations that represent the patterns of activity that express the culture of a country

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Social Institutions

Basic Types ofSocial Institutions

EducationalSystems

ReligiousOrganizations

Gender Roles

ClassSystems

Degrees ofMobility

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Educational Systems

Some cultures favor males over females.

In some cultures, only wealthy people have access to education.

In many countries, only very successful students have access to higher education.

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Religious Organizations

In a country where children attend religious ceremonies, religious influence lasts.

Some countries are ruled by a religious legal system.

Religious leaders may have political influence in some countries.

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Gender Roles

Many cultures favor men over women in the workplace.

Gender roles affect methods of parenting, housekeeping, and daily family activities, as well as how people conduct business.

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Class Systems

In a nation where class differences are strong, people in the upper class have better access to education, work opportunities, and the legal system.

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Class Systems

In countries such as the United States, moving upward socially or economically is possible for more people.

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Degrees of Mobility

In a country with high mobility, people can relocate easily and find a new home or job.

In a region with low mobility, most people live and die close to where they were born.

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Overcoming Culture Shock

Culture shock may include:

culture shock

a reaction that newcomers to a culture may experienceBeing uncomfortable

Being afraid

Feeling resentment

Being intrigued

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Overcoming Culture Shock

Roadblocks to Adjusting

to CultureShock

CulturalBaggage

CulturalBias

Stereotyping

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Overcoming Culture Shock

Recall What reactions can be roadblocks to overcoming culture shock?

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Cultural Baggage

Cultural baggage may include religious attitudes or dining habits.

cultural baggage

a set of attitudes that include the beliefs, values, and assumptions that people carry with them throughout life

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Cultural Bias

For many years, a number of U.S. citizens had a negative cultural bias toward Japan and Germany, due to World War II.

cultural bias

a preconceived attitude of favoring or disliking a particular culture

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Stereotyping

If you believe that all Italians are “romantic,” you are stereotyping.

stereotyping

the practice of identifying a person or group by a single trait, or as a member of a certain group instead of as an individual

Not all people in any one group are the same.

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Cultures Connect in Australia

Meeting and Greeting Shake hands at the beginning and at the end of a meeting. Avoid overused Australian terms.

Business Etiquette Arrive on time for meetings. Do not emphasize your education or achievements.

Business Dress Wear conservative attire. Men wear ties and dark suits. Women wear dresses or dark suits.

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Communication Skills

If you apply communication skills in a new country, people may respond favorably.

Learn basic phrases.

Learn correct gestures.

Understand the correct body language.

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Participating in Another Culture

These concepts vary from country to country:

Concepts of Time

Directness in Communication

Achievement and Work

Job Prestige

Change

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Concepts of Time

Many cultures do not engage in multitasking, such as in the United States.

Moving quickly can seem abrupt in some countries.

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Concepts of Time

Some cultures value leisure time.

In some countries, people take a siesta after lunch.

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Concepts of Time

Calendars and holidays vary by culture and the prevailing religion in the country.

When visiting another country, expect to adjust to different work times, work days, and work weeks.

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Telling Time Globally There are different ways to tell time around the world. Many countries use military time, e.g., 2:00 P.M. is 14:00 (fourteen hundred).

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Directness in Communication

In some countries, businesspeople engage in pleasant conversation over a drink or food before focusing on business.

Forcing a point is considered rude in some cultures.

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Achievement and Work

In Germany relationships and leisure time are valued.

In the United States an impressive résumé is a major career asset.

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Job Prestige

Manual labor may be disdained by people in some countries.

Job prestige may come through working with one’s mind, even when physical jobs may pay better wages.

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Change

Tradition is very important in many cultures.

In traditional cultures change must be implemented slowly and carefully.

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Cross-Cultural Literacy

If you can prepare yourself for cultural changes, you are beginning to develop cross-cultural literacy.

Cross-cultural literacy is a skill that makes you a more valuable employee.

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Cross-Cultural Literacy

You can develop cross-cultural literacy by eliminating ethnocentrism from your thinking processes.

ethnocentrism

the belief that one’s own culture is better than all other cultures

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Cross-Cultural Literacy

A culturally literate person replaces the idea that one culture is better with the idea that all cultures are different.

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Cross-Cultural Literacy

Question In what ways are ethnocentrism and cultural bias similar and different?

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Exploring Cultures

You can explore a culture by enjoying the following activities:

Music

Art

Literature

Architecture

Foods

Holidays

Religious events

Patterns of living

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Exploring Cultures

Ask questions.

Notice cultural differences without judging them.

Participate in the activities that make the new culture rich.

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2.2

1. What are some social institutions present in a culture?

educational systems, religious organizations, gender roles, class systems, and degrees of mobility

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2.2

2. What attitudes can prevent overcoming culture shock?

cultural baggage, cultural bias, and stereotyping

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2.2

3. What cultural concepts should you consider when adjusting to and participating in new cultures?

concepts of time, directness in communication, achievement and work, job prestige, and change

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