Dimensions of Culture

It is said that one who has learnt the language but is ignorant of the culture is a fluent fool. Let us try to know the dimensions of culture:

Individualism Vs Collectivism:

Most individualistic society is USA according to a 1980 study. It is the function of ones reasoning mind. It makes an individual independent, strong, reliable, and confident.

In the orient, there are life long family relationships based on inter-dependence and loyalty. That is collectivism. There is always a safety net.

Whatever, ultimately, you have to face the consequence.

Particularisam Vs. Universalism

Particularisam means an individual behaves as per circumstances and people.

Universalism means there is equality, say like in naxal countries.

High Power Distance Vs. Low Power Distance

Filipino culture ranks extremely high in power distance. There is clear cut distinctions in hierarchy and status. This is seen in Asian families too.

In the USA all are considered equal, so hierarchy is either not acknowledged or is positively de-emphasized. (Classic example-using first names to address people) Hierarchy do exist but it is considered inappropriate to accentuate this fact.

Fatalism Vs. Activism

In Fatalism, individual is a small speck. There is fate or destiny, controlling him. So we Indians forget quarrels, calamities.

In Activism the locus of control is largely internal. There are no limits on what I can do or become, so long as I set my mind to it and make the necessary efforts. People here are generally focused. Americans being so can nevery forget 9/11.

Polychronic Vs. Monochronic
In a polychronic society like India, people follow the IST meaning: Indian Stretchable Time. They don’t realize that the most important thing in life is Time. Those who be on time to places become fools. They have to keep waiting. So much of man hours is lost. But they are good at multitasking too.

In a monochromic culture, time is given and people are the variable. The needs of people are adjusted to suit the demands of time. So there is no concept of being late. Time is quantifiable and there is a limited amount of it at any given time. They belive in completing one task at a time, and only then taking the next.

Uncertinity Vs. Certinity

Uncertainty avoidance is related to anxiety and not just to risk. It leads to a reduction of ambiguity and hence a need for structure.

High Context Vs. Low Context

In high context we need to look the background. You need to look at the undercurrent for survival. It is harder to understand and penetrate. In countries like Japan and France it is highly followed. In families it is so especially between husband and wife.
Eg. Admit mistake and earn respect: In some organizations you may be chucked out.

When everything is explicitly stated it is low context.

East Vs. West

Once upon a time, India was a self-sufficient, self reliant and happy country. Though after coming into India ruling us and living behind, they have left their culture, which we try to imitate and there is confusion. We are on the middle path. Lessons we can learn from the west are:
Freedom from Prejudice: Only open book can absorb ideas.
Discipline: Most important thing in life is time. One needs to respect that.
Professionalism: How to be impartial in relationship. Accept mistakes, let the other man save his face.
Egoism: Only when an individual is happy, he can help the group, to make a collective right decision. It is worthless to make sacrifices when one is not happy.
Self Confidence: Be a go getter.
Appreciation: We should not be critical, but lean to say good.
Planning foresights:
These qualities need to be imbibed.

It is hurting to see that the new generation, instead of looking at this, feels that family relations are a burden or are wrong. It is especially because the individual is not happy.

Accountant Vs. Marketing:

Accountants would like to economize, make optimum use of their resources. If you try to economize, you will not be able to market.
Marketing people would like to spent more and get more. Getting more makes them happy, and they try to influence those around them. (at times with a heavy price)

This was to highlight the different departments in an organization. Though there are differences, both understand the perception and live together.

Roles, superstitions and rituals, Values-The determinants of behavior, also play a great part. Eg. The father as authority figure.

Remember Ethnocentrism: Ethnic+Centre: The tendency to evaluate a foreigner/outside behavior by the standard of ones own culture.
 We take our culture for granted.
 We see our behavior as correct and others as wrong.
 Infuses prejudice, contempt, stereotype, and conflict.

At any cost you will learn but at what cost and with how much pain is important.

All cultures are not readily compatible. Don’t focus on differences, focus on similarity and you can get alone with anyone.

Courtesy:
• Ms. Pushpa Kurups charismatic personality, and valuable training
• Ms. Narayanis thoughts on lessons we can learn from the west.
• Mr. Sajeev and Ms. Tharas gift: The fountain head, and the other books.
• Life experiences.