Unit 3: Chapter 3 - What is Culture? Flashcards
What is culture?
Values & beliefs of a community or a nation
Includes religion, laws, language, technology, art, music, literature, knowledge, experiences, attitudes, symbols, and possessions.
What are cultural norms?
Cultural expectations, appearance, observances and behaviour that are standard in a region or country.
What is cultural imperialism?
When a group or nation imposes its cultural values and customs on another.
Why is culture important in international business?
Cultural factors influence international business methods and operations.
What are three cultural determinants that shape a country’s culture?
1) Religion
2) Geography
3) History
What is a counterculture?
A culture that has values or lifestyles that are in opposition to those of the current accepted culture.
What is a subculture?
A cultural group within a larger or predominant culture.
What is the impact of geography on Canadian culture?
Influences clothing, building materials, food, and lifestyle choices
Examples include dog sledding and the trans-Canada highway.
What are customs?
Ways in which cultural behaviours are performed, including social habits and traditional behaviors.
What is the significance of cultural transmission?
Culture is transmitted from one generation to the next through education and by example.
What is the definition of cultural dimensions?
Frameworks for understanding how cultural values influence behavior.
What are some factors that distinguish a subculture?
1) Class
2) Ethnic background
3) Religion
What are the two types of time perception in meeting culture?
Monochronic: A focus on doing one task at a time, with high value on schedules and punctuality.
Polychronic: A focus on multitasking, with flexible attitudes toward schedules and prioritizing relationships over time.
Monochronic refers to a linear and sequential approach to time, while Polychronic views time as elastic and flexible.
What does spatial perception in meeting culture refer to?
Individual comfort levels with personal space and physical contact
This includes concepts like ‘The Close Talker’.
What are key elements of non-verbal communication in business meetings?
Eye contact, body language, and gestures
These are crucial for effective communication in a business context.
What topics are important in business etiquette?
Appropriate topics of conversation, gift presentation, business dress, and business card exchange
Understanding these aspects can enhance business interactions.
What is Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions used for?
To describe specific aspects of culture and understand cultural differences in business
It reflects a society’s overall tendencies rather than individual behaviors.
Define Power Distance (PDI) in Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions.
High power distance sees superiority based on social status, while low power distance assumes equality
High power distance countries include Mexico, Indonesia, and India; low includes Austria, Israel, and Canada.
What characterizes High Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI)?
Preference for formal rules, strong religious convictions, and distrust of outsiders
High UAI countries include Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Japan.
What does Masculinity vs. Femininity (MAS) dimension refer to?
Masculinity values assertiveness and competitiveness; femininity values nurturing and social support
Masculine cultures include Japan and Mexico; feminine cultures include Scandinavia and Thailand.
What is the difference between Individualism and Collectivism (IDV)?
Individualism encourages personal choice; collectivism values the greater good
Individualistic cultures include Canada and the US; collectivist cultures include Cuba and China.
Define Long-Term Orientation (LTO).
Values thrift and perseverance for long-term goals; short-term orientation focuses on immediate results
Long-term oriented cultures include China and Japan; short-term oriented include the USA and Canada.
What is the distinction between Indulgence and Restraint in Hofstede’s dimensions?
Indulgence: A cultural trait where people freely pursue enjoyment, happiness, and fun, emphasizing leisure and gratification.
Restraint: A cultural trait where people control desires and impulses, emphasizing strict social norms and limiting leisure activities.
High indulgence countries include Canada and the U.S.; high restraint include Russia and China.
