Cultural Encounters
A. Cultural Models:
A1. Key Concepts of Cultural Differences (Hall & Reed Hall)
High & low context communication
High-context: much of the message is contained in the context, body language, and implicit signals.
Less is said literally
Low-context: everything is explicitly stated in words; context is less important
Monochronic & polychronic time
Monochronic: time is seen linearly; one task at a time, appointments are strict, planning is important
Polychronic: time is flexible; multiple things at once, relationships are more important than strict
planning
Personal space
How much physical distance people keep in social interactions
Fast & slow messages
Fast messages: direct communication, little context needed.
Slow messages: indirect communication, requires much context and interpretation
Fast & slow information flow
Fast information flow: direct, concise, little context, quick decisions
Slow information flow: indirect, detailed, context-heavy, slower decisions
Action chains & lead time
Action chains: how tasks are planned and carried out in a culture
Lead time: how much time people normally allocate for tasks or projects
A2. Variations in Value Orientations (Kluckhohn)
Dominating or in harmony with nature
Dominating: people try to control or master nature
, Harmony: people seek balance with nature, accepting natural forces
Past - present - future time orientations
Past-oriented: culture places high value on traditions and history
Present-oriented: focus on the present moment, enjoying the now
Future-oriented: planning and looking ahead are important, striving for progress and goals
Doing or being culture
Doing: cultures measure success by achievements and actions
Being: cultures value personal development and relationships more than achievements
Individual or group orientation
Individualistic: independence and personal goals are important
Collectivistic: group goals, harmony, and consensus are important
Is space mainly private or public
Private: individual ownership and personal space are important
Public: space is shared, with a focus on community
Is human nature basically good or evil
Good: people are naturally kind, helpful, and morally inclined
Evil: people are naturally selfish, harmful, or prone to bad behavior
Pinto’s three-step method
A3. Cultural Dimensions (Hofstede)
Power distance
How a culture deals with inequality and hierarchy
High PDI: hierarchy and authority are accepted; clear role differences
Low PDI: inequality is less accepted; equality is important
Individualism & collectivism
Individualism: personal goals and autonomy are important
Collectivism: group interests, harmony, and consensus are important
A. Cultural Models:
A1. Key Concepts of Cultural Differences (Hall & Reed Hall)
High & low context communication
High-context: much of the message is contained in the context, body language, and implicit signals.
Less is said literally
Low-context: everything is explicitly stated in words; context is less important
Monochronic & polychronic time
Monochronic: time is seen linearly; one task at a time, appointments are strict, planning is important
Polychronic: time is flexible; multiple things at once, relationships are more important than strict
planning
Personal space
How much physical distance people keep in social interactions
Fast & slow messages
Fast messages: direct communication, little context needed.
Slow messages: indirect communication, requires much context and interpretation
Fast & slow information flow
Fast information flow: direct, concise, little context, quick decisions
Slow information flow: indirect, detailed, context-heavy, slower decisions
Action chains & lead time
Action chains: how tasks are planned and carried out in a culture
Lead time: how much time people normally allocate for tasks or projects
A2. Variations in Value Orientations (Kluckhohn)
Dominating or in harmony with nature
Dominating: people try to control or master nature
, Harmony: people seek balance with nature, accepting natural forces
Past - present - future time orientations
Past-oriented: culture places high value on traditions and history
Present-oriented: focus on the present moment, enjoying the now
Future-oriented: planning and looking ahead are important, striving for progress and goals
Doing or being culture
Doing: cultures measure success by achievements and actions
Being: cultures value personal development and relationships more than achievements
Individual or group orientation
Individualistic: independence and personal goals are important
Collectivistic: group goals, harmony, and consensus are important
Is space mainly private or public
Private: individual ownership and personal space are important
Public: space is shared, with a focus on community
Is human nature basically good or evil
Good: people are naturally kind, helpful, and morally inclined
Evil: people are naturally selfish, harmful, or prone to bad behavior
Pinto’s three-step method
A3. Cultural Dimensions (Hofstede)
Power distance
How a culture deals with inequality and hierarchy
High PDI: hierarchy and authority are accepted; clear role differences
Low PDI: inequality is less accepted; equality is important
Individualism & collectivism
Individualism: personal goals and autonomy are important
Collectivism: group interests, harmony, and consensus are important
