McCool Chapter 2: Deepest Dimensions of Culture

1. McCool Chapter 2: Deepest Dimensions of Culture

2. Uncertainty • Definition: “the degree and extent that people attempt to avoid unknown situations” (17) • Uncertainty Avoidance • Role of emotions • Truth • Scientific inquiry • Equality & inequality

3. Low Uncertainty Avoidance • Generally found in cultures that are relatively stable, where people have their basic needs met • Uncertainty is normal and not to be feared • Uncertainty can even be exciting because it leads to new knowledge and concepts • Emotions should be hidden • Truths are relative – there are many valid belief systems • Scientific inquiry is valued • Equality is assumed

4. High Uncertainty Avoidance • Generally found in cultures that have recently been or are currently experiencing war, famine, or other traumatic events • Uncertainty is seen as a threat • Emotions are vented, even in professional settings • There is one Truth • Grand theories • Inequality among people is assumed

5. Social Relationships • Individualism vs. Collectivism • People and Language • Personal Time • Available Resources • Concept of Freedom • Learning Orientation • Relationship with Authority • Harmony and Persuasion

6. Individualism vs. Collectivism Individualism Collectivism Group language Group time Shared resources Freedom in groups What to learn Authority respected Harmony • Personal language • Personal time • Individual resources • Personal freedom • How to learn • Authority contested • Argumentative, persuasive

7. Communication Low Context High Context Non-Western cultures Reader responsible Implicit and indirect communication Focus on context Language ineffective Civil law legal tradition Flowery and descriptive • Western cultures • Writer responsible • Explicit and direct communication • Focus on content • Language effective • Common law legal tradition • Clear and concise

8. Rules Universalism Particularism Hierarchy High power distance Eye contact with authority figures is disrespectful Theoretical – big ideas that can not be definitively proven, abstract Ascriptive – based on non-tangible status markers • Equality • Low power distance • Eye contact shows trustworthiness • Practical – evidence, verifiable, empirical research, concrete • Achievement –based on personal, quantifiable results, competitive

9. Time Monochronic Polychronic Nonlinear Considers several tasks at one time Punctuality is less important Lines are not common People-oriented Long-term orientation Flow • Linear • Considers one task at a time • Punctuality is important • Waiting patiently in line is expected • Clock-oriented • Short-term orientation • Precision