US Cultural Diversity Analysis - Case Study Example

Task Cultural Analysis The cultural diversity exhibited in the world can be traced back to the evolution of humankind. Through time, these cultural dimensions have matured and become distinct to influence the human society in profound ways. This has made it necessary for study and classification of these cultures to learn how they influence patterns of behavior demonstrated by the human race. Moreover, the modern world is made up of a mixture of these cultures and they exist in different place, which may not be there indigenous homes. This is due to search for employment, immigration, which might be a result of several factors such as political instability in home countries, violation of human rights, and other personal issues (Hofstede, 429). The existence of diverse cultures in the world has led to difference in personalities of different cultural groups. The cultural backgrounds have modelled people to exhibit different types of behaviors based on their cultures. This is because of the diverse morals and values that are attached to different cultures. Individuals strictly adhere to their cultural demands, and these demands become primal in arriving at decisions that influence their behaviors. This in turn leads to display of a common pattern of behavior among populations from similar cultural backgrounds irrespective of their geographical locations or situations that they encounter in their daily lives. In the analysis of cultures, The Hofstede and Globe Programs give different clusters that ease the study of diverse cultures. For the purpose of this study, the clusters considered include the Anglo, sub-Saharan Africa, and Middle East clusters. These clusters include individuals from Britain, Africa particularly individuals from the lower parts of the Saharan desert (Black Africans) and individuals from middle East countries such as Palestine, Iran, Iraq and Israel. The individual who were interviewed were asked questions such as the specific time that they arrived in the country (This because different times were marked by different events, which might have convinced them to come to the country.), how long they have been around and if given another opportunity, would they continue living in the U.S.A? The cultural dimensions used in this interview process included: Gender Egalitarianism, Power, uncertainty Avoidance, Indulgence/Assertiveness, Collectivism/Individualism, and Human orientation (Gertsen, Søderberg, Tor, 1998). Power Dimension The power dimension measures the extent to which power influences the distribution of resources in a society. It expresses the level of contentment that individuals have for the disparate distribution of power. Britain Britain sits at a lower ranking (40) according to Hofstede rankings. This implies that individuals do not agree with the level of inequality that exists between individuals in the society. This shows that the British system has gone through transformation from the hierarchical British system. Individuals believe that one’s place of birth should not influence the level of occupation in the social ladder, and individuals should strive to rise to new levels depending on their abilities. This is achieved through demonstration of equality (McGuain, 22). Kenya Kenya sits on a high in the dimension scale (70) that shows a high level of inequality amongst individuals. This hierarchy determines the social order that individuals occupy. The cultural setup contends to this level of inequality that is expressed through centralization of power, high level of inequality among individuals and total control of individuals who occupy the lower classes in the hierarchy. Iran Iran sits on a high in the rankings (58). This implies a high level of inequality exists between individuals in the society. This leads to hierarchical organization of the population into classes that highly discriminate against each other. The cultural setup is modelled to allow for existence of this inequality base on the influence or power that an individual possesses. Gender Egalitarianism This dimensions aims to explain the level of societal consideration on issues such as achievement and provision of opportunities to individuals in the society. high level of gender egalitarianism represents a male dominated society with opportunities based on competitive basis. Britain Britain represents a masculine society that is highly geared towards achievement of success and highly oriented toward moving the country forward. This is because it sits on a high (66) which indicates a determination towards success. The cultural expectations about achievement contradict the modest British system. Kenya Kenya sits on a high of 60, which indicates that the society is a masculine society that is driven by competition and a craving for success. It there does not provide equal opportunities to underprivileged individuals to participate with others since competition and performance drives that economy. Iran It sits on a low of 43 on the rankings characterized by a feminine society. Individuals are not motivated to compete to drive the economy forward but value equality, negotiations and compromise in the achievement to guarantee wellbeing of individuals. Uncertainty Avoidance This explains the ways that countries learn to deal with the anxieties brought by the future visions. Different cultures are caught up in the predicament of engaging in ways to influence future events or let natural events combine to influence future events. Britain It has a low of 35 in the ranking, which indicates that its population is not concerned on the natural events that bring about daily occurrences. The population is not into devising contingency plans that might help to deal with future uncertainties but concentrate on overcoming present events, which unfold on daily basis. Kenya Kenya sores an average of 50 on the uncertainty scale but with a predisposition of avoiding uncertain events. The population is concerned about formation of rules that guide behavior of individuals, and ensure that there is strict adherence to codes and conduct stipulated by laws. Iran This country scores a high of 58 on the uncertainty scale. The population is occupied with avoidance of uncertain events that may occur as result of natural events or human made events. Individuals work hard and strive to adhere to strict rules to guide their daily endeavours, and avoid unpleasant situations that may result in the future (Sarat & Simon, 37). Collectivism/Individualism It illustrates the level of interdependence, which exists between individuals in society. This helps in identification individualities based on the individual or the society. Britain It sits on a high of 89 that indicates a highly individualistic society. The society is characterized by a private way of life, which aims at individual fulfilment Iran It represents a collective society with a low of 41. There is strict commitment to social groups like the family, extended family or other relationships. This is solidified with loyalty and unity to promote morality and adherence to values. Kenya Has a rating of 25, which indicates a collective society. Individuals are concerned with advancement of others and behavior and practices are guided by the norms of the society. Management is done in-group perception and loyalty overrides all societal rules (Hans, 48). The modern world is characterized by diversity in culture and cultural practices. These cultures have developed over time and are influenced by the different aspects in the world, which help to shape peoples beliefs, values, and morals that strengthen or weaken their attachment to cultures. The difference in geographical locations has helped to strengthen different cultures because people with identical cultural practices tend to occupy same geographical regions, and is dumbfounded to realise the differences between their cultures and those they come across when they change geographical locations. Works Cited Gullestrup, Hans, Cultural Analysis:Towards Cross-Cultural Understanding 2006, Denmark: Aslborg Press and Hans Gullestrap Hofstede, Geert. Cultures Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions and Organizations Across Nations. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publ, 2001. Print. McGuigan, Jim. Cultural Analysis. Los Angeles: Sage, 2010. Sarat, Austin, and Jonathan Simon. Cultural Analysis, Cultural Studies, and the Law: Moving Beyond Legal Realism. Durham, N.C: Duke University Press, 2003. Cardel, Gertsen M. Cultural Dimensions of International Mergers and Acquisitions. Berlin: de Gruyter, 1998. Read More