Cross Cultural Theories

Culture
Culture is the collective programming of the human mind that distinguishes the members of one human group from those of another. Culture in this sense is a system of collectively held values. -Geert Hofstede

Hofstedes Cultural Dimensions Study

Geert Hofstede (Dutch) - Well known for his

work on Five Dimensions of Cultural Variability. These include:

Uncertainty Avoidance Power-Distance Masculinity-Femininity Individualism-Collectivism

Long Term Orientation

 It describes the effects of a society's culture

on the values of its members and how these values relate to behavior, using a structure derived from factor analysis
Hofstede model was developed to examine

the results of a world-wide survey of employee values by IBM in the 1960s and 1970s

Uncertainty Avoidance
The extent to which a society feels threatened or is comfortable by uncertain and ambiguous situations. A High Uncertainty Avoidance ranking indicates the country has a low tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity. This creates a rule-oriented society that institutes laws, rules, regulations, and controls in order to reduce the amount of uncertainty. A Low Uncertainty Avoidance ranking indicates the country has less concern about ambiguity and uncertainty and has more tolerance for a variety of opinions. This is reflected in a society that is less ruleoriented, more readily accepts change, and takes more and greater risks.

Power-Distance
Power Distance Index (PDI) focuses on the degree of equality, or inequality, between people in the country's society. A High Power Distance ranking indicates that inequalities of power and wealth have been allowed to grow within the society. These societies are more likely to follow a caste system that does not allow significant upward mobility of its citizens. A Low Power Distance ranking indicates the society de-emphasizes the differences between citizen's power and wealth. In these societies equality and opportunity for everyone is stressed.

Masculinity-Femininity
The extent to which gender roles in a culture are expected and clearly defined. The masculinity side of this dimension represents a preference in society for achievement, heroism, assertiveness and material reward for success. Society at large is more competitive. Its opposite, femininity, stands for a preference for cooperation, modesty, caring for the weak and quality of life. Society at large is more consensus-oriented. Masculinity (MAS) focuses on the degree the society reinforces, or does not reinforce, the traditional masculine work role model of male achievement, control, and power.

 A High Masculinity ranking indicates the country

experiences a high degree of gender differentiation. In these cultures, males dominate a significant portion of the society and power structure, with females being controlled by male domination.
A Low Masculinity ranking indicates the country

has a low level of differentiation and discrimination between genders. In these cultures, females are treated equally to males in all aspects of the society.

Individualism-Collectivism
The extent to which a society is loosely or tightly knit.
INDIVIDUALISTIC
Emphasis on self versus social group

COLLECTIVISTIC
Emphasis on social group

Individualism (IDV) focuses on the degree the society reinforces individual or collective, achievement and interpersonal relationships. A High Individualism ranking indicates that individuality and individual rights are paramount within the society. Individuals in these societies may tend to form a larger number of looser relationships. A Low Individualism ranking typifies societies of a more collectivist nature with close ties between individuals. These cultures reinforce extended families and collectives where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group.

Edward t hall is an anthropologist and one of the founder of intercultural communication study.

Edward T. Hall defines culture as: ...man's medium; there is not one aspect of human life that is not touched and altered by culture. This means personality, how people express themselves (including shows of emotion), the way they think, how they move, how problems are solved, how their cities are planned and laid out, how transportation systems function and are organized, as well as how economic and government systems are put together and function.

EDWARD T HALL STUDY

Edward t Hall gave the theories of : Proxemics : non verbal communication with the use of surrounding space
Time Orientations : Monochronic &

Polychronic Culture

Edward T. Hall's Model

High-context cultures Long-lasting relationships Exploiting context Spoken agreements Insiders and outsiders clearly distinguished Cultural patterns ingrained, slow change

Low-context cultures Shorter relationships Less dependent on context Written agreements Insiders and outsiders less clearly distinguished Cultural patterns change faster

Cultural Classification-Hall
Low-Context Cultures - What Is Said Is More Important Than How or Where It Is Said
U.S. Germany

High-Context cultures - What Is Said and How or Where It is Said Are Significant
Asia Latin America

Middle East

Monochronic Vs Polychronic Culture

Proxemics

Proxemics
1. Intimate Distance for embracing, touching or whispering Close phase : less than 6 inches Far phase : 6 to 18 inches 2. Personal Distance for interacting among good friends or family members Close phase : 1.5 to 2.5 feet Far phase : 2.5 to 4 feet

3. Social Distance for interacting among acquaintances Close phase : 4 to 7 feet Far phase : 7 to 12 feet 4. Public Distance used for public speaking Close phase : 12 to 25 feet Far phase : 25 feet or more