US Cultural Analysis - Coursework Example

Task Cultural Analysis Introduction The U.S is rich in cultural diversities and backgrounds due to an amalgamation of beliefs and cultures of its citizens (Evans, 60). In recent endeavors to find out these diversities, a number of citizens presently living in the United States were interviewed. Cultural models describe trends of basic troubles that have effects for the running of clusters and personalities such as association to power, the self-outset comprising ego uniqueness and principal dilemmas of divergence and tackling them (Kvale & Svend ). For us to appreciate cultural disparities a number of models have been established, for instance the Hofstede Model and GLOBE Model. Hofstede Model is the widely used method of valuing cultural diversities. Amid these researches, the cultural models established by Hofstede and presently by GLOBE Model have mutually supplied academicians with quality insights into the organization of state-run cultures (House et al, 7). This paper will focus on Hofstede model and GLOBE to analyze the information retrieved according to the five dimensions on: Power Distance, Individualism, Masculinity, Uncertainty Avoidance and Long-term Orientation. This paper focuses on the cultural diversities of different clusters in the world learned from the interviews mainly Asian, European and African. In interviewing an Indonesian, it was noted that his first encounter in the American surrounding was perplexing since they are characterized by the Islamic Laws. He has been in the country for a minimum seven years. The individual from Kenya or rather Africa could not help but be astounded by the developments and cultural diversities in America. He has lived in America for barely a month. Lastly, the German interviewee had attitude and composure upon reaching the U.S. soil. Nevertheless, he had only come for holiday unlike the other two who had come to the land of opportunity. Power Distance This aspect deals with the actuality that, not all persons in communities are equal. It articulates the mind-set of the culture in the context of these dissimilarities amongst people. Power distance is denoted as the measure to which the less influential associates of societies and organizations within a realm anticipate and acknowledge that power is disseminated unequally. Indonesia has a score of 78 in the ranking standings, which denotes that the following are characteristics of the nation. That the country is subordinate on hierarchy, those who hold high ranks are inaccessible, leaders are command oriented and there is uneven rights amid those who hold powers and those who do not. There is centralization of power and those who hold authority count on the obedience of those under them. The subordinate staff expect to be commanded on the instructions to be done and when. There is indirect communication and pessimistic response is hidden. The high rank of power distance also denotes that the Indonesian employees anticipate having clear-cut directions from the bosses or the manager. The disparity amid the wealthy and the poor is quite surprising in this country. German is ranked low among the power distance countries with a score of 35. Co-determination civil liberties are moderately widespread and have to be accounted by the administration. An undeviating and participative communiqué and gathering style is universal, having power over another is not fancied and management is challenged to demonstrate proficiency and best acknowledged when it is based on expertise. Kenya has a high score of 70 in this dimension hence individuals acknowledge a hierarchical categorization in that everyone has a position and which does not need auxiliary explanation. Hierarchy in a society is perceived as reflecting intrinsic differences, centralization is trendy, employees anticipate to be given directions and the ideal manager is a benign autocrat. Individualism The basic issue tackled by this dimension is the extent of interdependence a civilization upholds amid its associates. It deals with the possibility of personalities image is denoted in concepts of either “We” or “I”. In eccentric communities, people are hypothetical to cater for themselves not overlooking their straight relatives and family only. In Collectivist communities’ populace fit in to ‘in groups’ that cater for them in trade for devotion. Kenya, ranked 25 is deemed a collectivistic community. This is apparent in a close up long-term pledge to the affiliate group, like that of a family. devotion in a collectivist civilization is overriding, and surpasses most other communal regulations and set of laws. The civilization promotes brawny relationships where every individual takes accountability for other cluster members. Indonesia, scores lowly (14) and thus a Collectivist civilization. This denotes that there is an elevated preference for a powerfully distinct communal framework in which persons are projected to match to the principles of the civilization and the clusters that they are in to. Germany is an individualistic society ranking 67. The most common links are those of little families with a hub of parent-child connection as opposed to the extended families. There is a strong projection in the conception of self-actualization. Loyalty is ventured on individual preferences for natives as well as an intellect of responsibility and accountability. This is denoted by the agreement between the company and the worker. Uncertainty avoidance Is termed as the degree to which the associates of a civilization feel endangered by indefinite or strange situations and have formulated beliefs and traditions that try to shun these. Germany is ranked 65 in this category. In the context with the Kant, theoretical heritage there is a powerful predilection for deductive as opposed to inductive advancements, be it in thoughts, presentations and preparations: the methodical impression has to be provided in order to continue. This can also be seen in the German system of Law. Details are evenly imperative to make assurance that a definite subject or development is carefully planned. Indonesia has 48 as the tally on this dimension hence has an average low predilection for shunning uncertainty. This denotes that there is a powerful predilection in Indonesia en route for the Javanese traditions of disconnection of inner self from the outward self.  When an individual is distressed, it is customary for the Indonesian individual not to depict unenthusiastic sentiment or antagonism outwardly. Kenya has a score of 50 in this category and therefore prefers shunning uncertainty. Nations having elevated uncertainty avoidance uphold stiff systems of belief and actions and are prejudiced of nonconformist behavior and thoughts. In these civilizations, there is a poignant requirement for rules and individuals have a craving to be busy. In this civilization, time is money; exactness and promptness are the core values. There might be a resistance to innovation and security is usually a vital ingredient in someone’s personal motivation. In conclusion, all of the above-mentioned dimensions are eminent from the interviews. A close proximity of these aspects in the above tackled dimensions is defined by the cultural beliefs and traditions of the individuals. The German was the only candidate that has viewpoints and lifestyle that is close to those of the American citizens. Germany has almost the same rankings as America. Therefore, my perspectives and ideologies are closely related to those of the German in almost all the aspects that I believe in (Inglehart, 17). The other two individuals are very contented with their ways of lives even though they amuse me in their school of thought (Deardorff , 82). Works Cited Deardorff, Darla K. The Sage Handbook of Intercultural Competence. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications, 2009. Print. Evans, D R. Essential Interviewing: A Programmed Approach to Effective Communication. Australia: Brooks/Cole, 2004. Print. House, Robert J, Klas M. Brenk, Edvard Konrad, and Argio Sabadin. Culture, Leadership, and Organizations: The Globe Study of 62 Societies. Thousand Oaks (Calif.: Sage Publications, 2004. Print. Inglehart, Ronald. Human Beliefs and Values: A Cross-Cultural Sourcebook Based on the 1999 - 2002 Values Surveys. México, DF: Siglo XXI Ed, 2004. Print. Kvale, Steinar, and Svend Brinkmann. Interviews: Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing. Los Angeles: Sage Publications, 2009. Print. Read More