Topic #3- Cultural Patterns

Question 1

What are values? What are some dominant American values? How might they be different in other cultures?

Answer 1

Values are enduring concepts of good/bad, right/wrong. They vary from culture to culture, are unconscious, and are evidenced in activities, norms, relationships, language, and objects.

Some American values include democracy, individualism, freedom, personal achievement, patriotism etc. In terms of the individualistic aspect, other countries follow collectivist way if living; meaning they focus on people as a group.

Question 2

Discuss Hofstede’s value dimensions: individualism/collectivism, high/low uncertainty avoidance, masculine/feminine, and high/low power distance cultural values. Why are they important?

Answer 2

1. (Individualism vs. Collectivism)- The strength of the ties that people to others in their community
2. (High/Low Uncertainty Avoidance)- The ways in which people can cope w/ anxiety
3. (Masc./Femme.)- Ego based males vs. caring & nurturing females.
4. (High/Low Power Distance)- The degree of inequality that exists
   * They are important because they provide information about the differences within each culture and how to manage such

Question 3

Discuss Hall’s context orientations. How does one’s context orientation shape verbal and nonverbal communication? Which do Americans tend to embrace?

Answer 3

Hall’s context orientations:
Low – Explicit meaning, words are important, detailed precise, use more words, more ‘logic’, opinions stated, clear & eloquent speech.,

High- Implicit meanings, In the context, vague, fewer words, more ‘feeling’, avoid confrontation, ambiguity.

The United States is a LOW-context culture.

Question 4

How do cultural patterns shape communication within cultural groups and between different cultural groups?

Answer 4

Cultural patterns are the similar behaviors within similar situations due to shared beliefs, norms, values, norms, and social practices so the communication is already intertwined by the normalcies of the culture.

For nonverbal communication, you have hand gestures, voice tone, and for Verbal communication, you have direct messages that is seen as an art form in engaging with someone.