SCLOA - Examine the role of two cultural dimensions on behaviour

Question 1

cultural dimension

Answer 1

factors that can be placed on a philosophical continuum

Question 2

characteristics of individualistic cultures

Answer 2

• focus on self > others
• individual autonomy and self-expression encouraged
• people are viewed as unique individuals

Question 3

characteristics of collectivistic cultures

Answer 3

• focus on others > self

- individual autonomy and self-expression not encouraged.

Question 4

effect of individualist/collectivist cultures on conformity

Answer 4

Smith and Bond (1993):

• meta-analysis of 31 conformity studies
• conformity was lower among participants from individualist cultures (North America and NW Europe) at 25%
• collectivist cultures (Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America) had higher conformity rates at 37%

Supporting study: Berry (1967)

Question 5

Berry (1967)

Answer 5

• replicated Asch (1951) with Temne people and Inuits
• found that Temne people conformed significantly more
• likely due to the cooperative nature of their economy
• as the Temne must survive on a single crop
• so social agreement is important for the Temne
• in contrast, Inuits forage for resources individually

Question 6

effect of individualist/collectivist cultures on conflict resolution

Answer 6

• generally individualist cultures prefer to face conflict head-on (dominating conflict resolution style)
• while collectivist cultures avoid conflict (conflict-avoidant resolution style)

Supporting study: Wei et al. (2001)

Question 7

Wei et al. (2001)

Answer 7

• 600 managers in Singapore were randomly surveyed
• participants included Japanese, Americans, and Chinese-Singaporeans working in MNCs, and Chinese-Singaporeans in local firms
• found that Americans and a minority of Asians preferred dominating conflict
• Asians, and Americans who had stayed in SG for 10+ years, tended to prefer conflict-avoidant
• this somewhat confirms the hypothesis, but obviously there are exceptions
• conclusion: conflict-resolution styles are complex and cannot be reduced to cultural dimensions alone

Question 8

characteristics of short-term time oriented cultures

Answer 8

• not concerned with past traditions
• impatient, present-oriented
• prefers immediate results

Question 9

characteristics of long-term time oriented cultures

Answer 9

• dynamic, future-oriented mentality
• encourages delayed gratification
• values long-standing traditions and values

Question 10

effect of time orientation on delayed gratification

Answer 10

Chen et al. (2005)

• showed bicultural participants (who had been exposed to both Singaporean and American culture) collages of easily-recognisable photos relevant to one of the 2 cultures in order to selectively activate one
• participants were asked to perform an online shopping scenario in order to purchase a novel
• 2 shipping options: book could be delivered either within 4 business days for a standard fee, or the next day for a premium fee
• US-activated participants tended to choose the premium delivery (valued immediate consumption) more than Singapore-activated participants

Question 11

effect of time orientation on conflict resolution

Answer 11

Basset (2004)

• participants were BusMan university students of either Chinese or Australian origin
• asked to analyse how a potential conflict between a Jap supervisor and Canadian visiting teacher might be resolved
• generally the Chinese were more concerned ƒwith saving face and preserving relationships
• Chinese tended to suggest solving problems and enhancing relationships at a dinner table or by giving gifts
• Australians tended to focus more on policies and procedures rather than cultural etiquette, and were less concerned with loss of face