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Understanding Culture in Business Relations
Sep 3, 2024
Lecture on Culture and International Business Relations
Introduction to Culture
Definition of Culture
: A system of values and norms shared among a group of people that directs and justifies behavior.
Nature of Culture
:
Like Morpheus described the Matrix; it's everywhere.
Comparable to a computer's operating system.
Elements Comprising Culture
Religion
Influences values and social norms.
Examples: Judeo-Christian values in the US, Islam's emphasis on hospitality.
Political Philosophy
Affects decision-making and power distribution.
Democracy vs. collectivism.
Economic Philosophy
Impacts wealth distribution and market operations.
Free markets vs. centralized control.
Communication
Varies widely across cultures (verbal and non-verbal).
Social Structure
Degree of mobility and hierarchy within societies.
History
Past events shape current cultural norms and behaviors.
Customs and Traditions
Unique practices that define a culture.
Stories and Mythologies
Reinforce cultural values and norms.
Cultural Components: Values, Norms, Folkways, Mores, and Taboos
Values
: Aspirational principles of a society (e.g., freedom, equity).
Norms
: Social guidelines for appropriate behavior.
Folkways
: Routine conventions of everyday life (e.g., eating habits).
Mores
: Central norms of morality (e.g., drug abuse as a moral issue).
Taboos
: Behaviors considered abhorrent (e.g., incest, cannibalism).
Cultural Relativism vs. Universality of Human Rights
Cultural Relativism
: Cultures dictate norms, and external intervention is seen as imperialistic.
Universality of Human Rights
: Some rights are universal, transcending cultural differences.
Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions
Power Distance
Acceptance of unequal power distribution.
Individualism vs. Collectivism
Preference for acting as individuals or as part of a group.
Masculinity vs. Femininity
Preference for traditional masculine or feminine values.
Uncertainty Avoidance
Comfort with ambiguity and uncertainty.
Long-term vs. Short-term Orientation
Focus on future rewards vs. immediate results.
Indulgence vs. Restraint
Extent of gratification of desires.
Communication Styles
Low Context Cultures
: Direct, explicit communication (e.g., USA).
High Context Cultures
: Implicit, relational communication (e.g., Japan).
Perception of Time
Monochronic (M-time)
: Time is structured and managed.
Polychronic (P-time)
: Time is fluid and relational.
Culture Shock
Causes
: Encountering cultural differences leads to emotional responses.
Handling Culture Shock
:
Be aware of reactions.
Analyze causes.
Let emotions subside.
Develop appropriate expectations.
Conclusion
Emphasized the importance of respecting cultural differences and learning to navigate them effectively in international business and relations.
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