what ways did the individual’s thinking processes differ from yours?
For those questions you cannot answer, take the time to conduct some research in an effort to answer them.
Dimensions of Culture in Action
By exploring five dimensions used to distinguish cultures, we can increase our ability to understand our own and other cultures. These five dimensions are (1) individualistic versus collectivistic, (2) high-context versus low-context communication, (3) high power distance versus low power distance, (4) monochronic versus polychronic, and (5) masculine or feminine culture.
Individualism Versus Collectivism
The cultural dimension of individualism versus collectivism reveals how people define themselves in their relationships with others.
Individualistic cultures, such as those of Great Britain, the United States, Canada, France, and Germany, stress individual goals, whereas collectivistic cultures, represented by many Arab, African, Asian, and Latin American countries, give precedence to group goals. Individualistic cultures cultivate individual initiative and achievement, while collectivistic cultures tend to nurture group influences. This means that, whereas the “I” may be most important in individualistic cultures, the “we” is the dominant force in collectivistic ones. In collectivistic cultures, the individual is expected to fit into the group; in individualistic cultures, emphasis is placed on developing the sense of self.
High Context Versus Low Context
A second way that cultures vary in communication style is in their preference for high-context or low-context communication.
Cultures with high-context communication systems are tradition bound. Their cultural traditions shape the behavior and lifestyle of group members, causing them to appear to members of low-context cultures to be overly polite and indirect in relating to others. In contrast, cultures with low-context communication systems generally encourage members to exhibit a more direct communication style
Members of low-context cultures tend to gather background information when meeting someone for the first time. Thus, they will ask people they have just met where they went to college, where they live, and who they work for. People from high-context cultures are much less likely to ask such questions up front.34 In addition, people from low-context cultures are apt to feel that they have to explain everything rather than rely on nonverbal, contextual information. In contrast, people who believe that most messages can be understood without direct verbal interaction reveal their preference for high-context communication. Asian cultures typically emphasize high-context communication, whereas Western cultures typically represent low-context systems. For example, the Japanese traditionally value silence, believing that a person of few words is thoughtful, trustworthy, and respectable. Thus, the Japanese spend considerately less time talking than do people in the United States. This orientation also helps explain why the Japanese often perceive self-disclosures during interaction as socially inappropriate.
High Power Distance Versus Low Power Distance
Power distance measures the extent to which individuals are willing to accept power differences.
Individuals from high power distance cultures such as Saudi Arabia, India, and Malaysia, view power as a fact of life and are apt to stress its coercive or referent nature. Superiors and subordinates in these countries are likely to view each other differently; subordinates are quick to defer to superiors. In contrast, individuals from low power distance cultures, such as Israel, Sweden, and the United States, believe power should be used only when it is legitimate; thus, they are apt to employ expert or legitimate power. Superiors and subordinates from low power distance countries emphasize their interdependence by displaying a preference for consultation; subordinates will even contradict their bosses when necessary.35
Monochronic Versus Polychronic Culture
Life in some places around the globe is not as fast paced as it is in most of Europe and North America. In Kenya, Argentina, and southern U.S. states, activities are often conducted at a slower rhythm and without the same sense of urgency. According to Hall, cultures approach time in one of two ways: as monochronic or polychronic.36
iStock/Paul Bradbury
People attuned to monochronic time schedule time carefully, one event at a time, preferring to complete an activity before beginning another. In contrast, people brought up using polychronic time are not obsessed with time and refuse to be its slaves. Rather than rigidly scheduling or segmenting their time, they readily give in to distractions and interruptions, even choosing to tackle several different problems or hold several different conversations at the same time. Additionally, rather than trying to be on time, like monochronic people, polychronic people may be late for an appointment, change an appointment right up to the last minute, or opt not to arrive for their appointment at all.37
Masculine Versus Feminine Culture
Cultures differ in their attitudes toward gender roles.38 In highly masculine cultures, members value aggressiveness, strength, and material symbols of success. In highly feminine cultures, members value relationships, tenderness in members of both sexes, and a high quality of life. Among highly masculine cultures are Japan, Italy, Germany, Mexico, and Great Britain. Among highly feminine cultures are Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Chile. Masculine cultures socialize members to be dominant and competitive. They tend to confront conflicts head-on and are likely to use a win–lose conflict resolution strategy. In contrast, the members of feminine cultures are more apt to compromise and negotiate to resolve conflicts, seeking win–win solutions.
Interpreting Cultural Differences
Where a culture falls on the individualistic–collectivistic, low-context versus high-context communication, and power distance scales affects the interactional preferences of its members. Developing a fuller comprehension of these dimensions can improve communication between the members of diverse cultures. For example, knowing whether individuals tend to understate their accomplishments or take credit for personal achievements can keep you from passing judgments that may be ill-founded.
When people from diverse cultures interact, unless their differences in orientation are acknowledged, interactions may well result in misunderstandings.
Technology and Community
Like communication, technology and culture shape one another. Technology and computers are changing the traditional definition of a community.
Neighborhoods Need Not Be Real
When we speak of community today, we no longer are limited to real neighborhoods. We have widened the concept of community to include those existing in cyberspace, and the number of virtual communities in cyberspace continues to rise. Because the Internet permeates national boundaries, it erodes the connection between location and experience, enabling us to interact more easily with people who have different worldviews
