Key Cultural Differences (between the East vs. West) Listen to the following scenario: Jackie has lunch plans with a close friend, Sarah, on Tuesday at 12pm. They havent seen each other in a long time, so she is looking forward to meeting. Sarah telephones Jackie at 11:30am on Tuesday saying that her former classmate is coming into town to visit, so she must cancel the plans. Maybe they can meet a different day. Jackie seems upset, but Sarah doesnt understand why. Discussion Do you think Jackie and Sarah come from the same culture? Why or Why not? What are Jackies expectations? What are Sarahs expectations? Aspects of Culture Visible Hidden 1. Concept of Self Individualist and Collectivist Individualist People identity is found in themselves, and the needs of the individual are satisfied before those of the group Looking after and taking care of oneself (being self-sufficient) guarantees the well- being of the group Collectivist Ones identity is a function of ones membership and role in supporting a group (like family, or work team) The survival and success of the group ensures the well-being of the individual 1. Concept of Self Individualist and Collectivist Individualist Independence, self-reliance, personal freedom are stressed and greatly valued (elders being independent) More psychological and emotional distance from others Group membership is not essential to ones identity, survival, or success Collectivist Harmony and interdependence of group members are stressed and valued Little psychological or emotional distance between group members Considerable distance between in-groups and out- groups Discussion Historically, why does this make sense? (West: Individualist Culture East: Collectivist Culture) Individualist or a Collectivist? Interview your partner by asking him/her to choose a or b for each number. Write down which one (a or b) your partner chooses. 1a. People should judge me by my performance. 1b. People should judge me by the groups I am in. 2a. When making a decision, everybody should agree. 2b. When making a decision, at least half should agree. 3a. Confrontation is sometimes helpful in relationships. 3b. Confrontation should be avoided it usually just causes more problems. 4a. If I do well, I want people to notice me (i.e. the teacher to praise me in class). 4b. It is preferable to win awards silently (i.e. the teacher to praise the whole class or tell me alone). 5a. If my sister broke a rule, I would avoid talking about it. 5b. If my sister broke a rule, I would admit it. 6a. Really, you can only depend on yourself. 6b. You can almost always depend on others. 7a. Leaders should be chosen based on their skills and background in other experiences. 7b. Leaders should be chosen because they have shown their ability and dedication in that company. 8a. Its easy to make friends. 8b. It takes quite a while to make a friend. Are you more of an individualist or collectivist? Tally how many times your partners answer was individualist and how many times your partners answer was collectivist. Answers 1A. Individualist 1B. Collectivist 2A. Collectivist 2B. Individualist 3A. Individualist 3B. Collectivist 4A. Individualist 4B. Collectivist 5A. Collectivist 5B. Individualist 6A. Individualist 6B. Collectivist 7A. Individualist 7B. Collectivist 8A.Individualist 8B. Collectivist 2. Personal vs. Social Responsibility Universalist and Particularist Universalist: Certain absolutes apply, regardless of circumstances or situation What is right is always right To be fair is to treat everyone alike and not make exceptions for family, friends, or members of your in-group. Particularist: How you behave in a given situation depends on the circumstances What is right in one situation may not be right in another You treat family, friends, and your in-groups the best you can and others can take care of themselves (their in- groups will protect them). Discuss the scenario (on your hand-out) with a partner. (Would you do it?) Do you believe there is absolute truth? (Something is true, no matter what?) 3. Concept of Time Monochronic and Polychronic Monochronic: Time is limited It is necessary to use time wisely and not waste it Being productive and efficient are important (a sense of urgency) The needs of people are adjusted to suit the demands of time (schedules, deadlines, etc.) Polychronic: Time is limitless There is always more time, and people are never too busy Time is the tool of people and is adjusted to suit the needs and desires of people People may have to do several things simultaneously, as required by circumstances 3. Concept of Time Monochronic and Polychronic Monochronic: It is considered most efficient to do one thing at a time or wait on one person at a time As much as possible, dont let circumstances or events interfere with your plans Interruptions interfere with productivity Polychronic: Its not necessary to finish one thing before starting another, nor finish your business with one person before starting in with another Schedules and deadlines often get changed so we should make adjustments Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as an interruption Discussion How do you see monochronic tendencies displayed in Western movies? Waiting in line 4. Locus of Control Internal and External Internal: The center of control is within the individual Circumstances dont have to be accepted as they are and can be changed There are no limits on what you can do or become, as long as you set your mind to it and make the necessary effort External: The center of control is largely outside the individual in the environment Some things in life are predetermined and cannot be changed There are limits beyond which one cannot go 4. Locus of Control Internal and External Internal: Your success is your own achievement You are responsible for what happens to you Life is what you do External: There are certain givens that cannot be changed and must be accepted Your success is a combination of your effort, good luck, in this case, the listener would assume the speaker doesnt feel strongly about this matter. This is the way to express considerable interest in/concern about the matter Telling a story that seems to be off the subject The person has lost his or her train of thought, has gotten off track, is not very organized or is going crazy The person is trying to make a point indirectly, normally a difficult point, such as a criticism, refusal, or something disappointing Asking what you think in response to your asking for an opinion or making a proposal The person wants to know your opinion on the matter This usually means no. Qualified answers: probably, I think so, Im almost sure, theres a good possibility They suggest the likelihood that the thing will happen The person is not in agreement with or positive about the matter and doesnt want to say so Not mentioning something in a conversation (the significance of what is not said). Not saying something means you have nothing to say, one way or the other, about that topic Not mentioning something can be a way of expressing discomfort about or indicating there is a problem with that topic Cultural Presentation You will receive a hand-out. Cultural Presentations will be May 6th and May 7th. Make sure you get together with your group and practice! Quiz Next Week! Religion Government Differences Between East and West