B ridging the Cultural Gap

Bridging the Cultural Gap Discussion Group #8 X420, Kelly School of Business, IU Bloomington

“The Cultural Gap?” Why bother…. …because, like it or not, we exist in a global economy….

…and we are a focal point of global politics…. …like it or not….

…and we are the world’s most pervasive cultural influence.. …like it or not….

ARE WE STILL THE UGLY AMERICANS?

What IS the “Ugly American”? . “The Ugly American was a caricature built on the reality of a boisterous, loud, uncultured, unsophisticated, arrogant, insensitive clod -- one who was prone to throwing around too much money, dressing absurdly, and acting oblivious to the subtleties of high culture.” ...Richard Crepeau, Professor of History, University of Central Florida-Orlando, “The Ugly American: Everybody Wants One” http://www.poppolitics.com/articles/2001-05-08-american.shtml

So if we are so ugly….. What United States Industry still has a Huge Trade Surplus ?

A little more than 7% of Hollywood’s income comes from domestic theater ticket sales whereas overseas ticket sales double that. The ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY !

..we have met the American, and he is us….we wish… “Large numbers of young Europeans have chosen to model their lives on what they find in American popular culture. The lure of MTV, the advertising machinery, and the movies have made the American "look" the ideal and standard for the new generation. The fact that this might irritate their parents only makes it more attractive.”

“The Ugly American:Everybody Wants One.” “…. this is not a temporary fascination with American culture. This is a taste that has been carefully constructed and cultivated by both producers and consumers and will be very difficult to purge.” ...Richard Crepeau, Professor of History, University of Central Florida-Orlando, “The Ugly American: Everybody Wants One”

The Ugly American:NOT Everybody Wants One. Of course, while American cultural, political and economic influence pervades societies throughout the globe – most obviously in the Westernized or “First World” states – it also brings about backlash and rejection….

We must understand and accept that there continue to be cultural gaps with which we must cope. …and if we are living and working in a foreign country, we certainly must learn to respect those cultural differences.

Let’s watch excerpts from a short video with some examples of real-world cultural differences... “Going International.. Bridging the Cultural Gap”

We are goal oriented! • We go to a foreign country with a goal. • Success in achieving that goal depends upon a sensitivity to the effect of cultural differences.

Some general truths: • Everything other than weather and gravity is shaped by the way we think as cultural beings. • The way we grew up affects our ways of expressing affection, dressing, eating… and thinking.

Many of you have visited or lived in other countries-to name a few: Afghanistan Egypt Ireland Argentina Estonia Israel Australia Finland Italy Belgium France Japan Belize Georgia Jordan Burma Germany Kazakhstan Chile Greece Lebanon China Hong Kong Netherlands Croatia Hungary Norway Cuba India Poland Denmark Indonesia South Africa

Let’s share ….some of our own personal experiences.

WESTERN Mastering environment Time consciousness No patience NON-WESTERN Part of nature, subject to same forces that determine environment No time pressure Patience revered and as a sign of strength. A focus on ceremony and personal relationships as much as on finished product Western versus non-Western cultural viewpoints….

Linear thinking: Decisions based on scientific and logical thinking. Personal space and privacy Truth is truth, yes means yes – no fear of embarrassing people Non-linear thinking often based on anecdotes and personal experience. Communal space and activities Yes may not mean yes (fear of embarrassing others) Western vs. Non-western: Cultural generalizations continued:

General truths: Continued: • We always tend to see other people through filters relative to our upbringing • Human thoughts in general are frequently based upon generalizations and/or stereotypes.

Stereotyping….. While there is a real danger of stereotyping – and being stereotyped – when one discusses cultural differences, they do exist. The Ugly American, the Cunning Asian, the Reserved Brit, the Excitable Arab…these are all stereotypes.

What is a stereotype? • Taking one thing about one individual and applying it to the whole group to which that individual belongs….. • A lazy way of categorizing people !

Stereotyping activity….

Always examine your assumptions by asking: • Am I making assumptions on that person based on the person being in a particular category? • Am I being sensitive to national culture when doing business? • Am I being respectful and attentive to the culture that I am in contact with? ?

Remember…. • We ALL are conditioned by our environment • Being conscious of ways our culture impacts on others leads to a better understanding of how to influence people positively.

Therefore: • Approach those we deal with with more humility. • Listen, ask questions, watch carefully and try to understand why they behave the way they do.

And….. Never, repeat - never assume that simply because a foreign national speaks English that he/she “thinks American”

ABOVE ALL: • Enjoy your stay in the foreign land • Do your business to help them and help yourselves. • …….and always remember to respect the beliefs and cultures of other societies.

Evaluation Questionsa. Strongly agreeb. Agreec. Disagreed. Strongly disagreee. Don’t know Bridging the Cultural Gap Discussion Group #8 • I found the presentation of material easy to understand. • This session increased my knowledge on the subject presented. • I will be able to use some of the information from this session in the future. • The presenter was well prepared for this session. • The presentation should be repeated in the future.

B ridging the Cultural Gap