Cultural Contexts

Question 1

Hofstede’s (2010) research and the 5 dimensions

Answer 1

IBM researcher did extensive data collection on multiple cultures, came up with 5 dimensions through which cultures can be classified and analyzed:
Power Distance
Uncertainty Avoidance
Collective Vs Individual
Long term vs Short term orientation
Masculinity vs Femininity (competitive vs caring)

Question 2

Helson (1964) describes ‘disconfirmed expectancies’

Answer 2

if people have a strong expectation about something, then any deviation from it is perceived as greater than it really is (e.g. African tribesman’s son who is not treated with respect and considers it rude)

Question 3

Ross (1977) describes ‘fundamental attribution error’

Answer 3

the mistake of making judgements about the characters of others without taking situational or cultural factors into account (e.g. an Englishman in ‘rude’ France)

Question 4

‘Symbolism’ in cultural misunderstandings

Answer 4

sometimes others do not understand the value and importance of the way people relate to the symbols inside their own culture

Question 5

Trompenaars (2012) describes ‘universalism vs particularism’

Answer 5

the degree to which universal rules can be applied within the culture to everyone equally. Particularist cultures may give preference to those closer to them (for example, family, village, tribe)

Question 6

Why is cross-cultural theory relevant to ELM?

Answer 6

• When teams are composed of more than one culture, there should be awareness of expectations and hidden rules that others are following
• To avoid the transplanting of inappropriate methods/ways of working that operate under different cultural norms

Question 7

Rodwell’s (1998) comment on adapting culturally dependent educational materials

Answer 7

Materials can be adapted for either universal use (internationalized) or for specific cultural use (indiginised), but often in practice materials follow the former

Question 8

What is the ‘theory interrogation process’ described by Shaw (2001)?

Answer 8

Sets out a method of questioning to identify the main cultural biases and assumptions of a theory, ascertain is compatibility and usefulness in the new culture, and attempt to adapt the theory for the context

Question 9

Case study on Situational Leadership theory applied to a different culture

Answer 9

Methods for coaching and mentoring requiring low PD do not work in high PD cultures, High collectivist cultures will also struggle,
Can be adapted by leaders opening discussion, exploring culturally sensitive ways to accomplish intended outcomes, and focusing on communication