Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory regarding Indonesian Students in Australia - Case Study Example

Ethnic Studies Name: Course: Tutor: Date: CASE STUDY: Title: Indonesian Students in Australia. 1.0 INTRODUCTION Cultural differences and principles in the society significantly influence the Australian society. This case study examines the Australian culture, values and beliefs in comparison with the Indonesian culture. With the help of Hofstede's and Kluckhohn & Strodtbeck theories, that gives an insight into the differences and similarities that exist between cultures, this case study can be explained. The Indonesian students have had the same problems I underwent, but as for their culture, the problems are different. I chose Indonesian Students in Australia as the title of this case study because some of my friends are Indonesian and I also have an Indonesian step mother. Other cultures should also have an understanding of intercultural issue and thus have a positive attitude and understanding towards it. 2.0 ETHNIC GROUP DESCRIPTIONS The ethnic group I have chosen to study is Indonesian students both male and female. The students are in an Australian University with diverse cultural differences. 2.1 Core Values The core values are the values held and which also form the basis on which work is carried out and the mode of conduct. Core values help manage personal relationships as well as help to define who we are. The Indonesian students have their own unique values. Their background shaped these values. They maintain these values even when they interact with people from different backgrounds. They value family structures as compared to Australians who value education and achievement. 2.2 Core postulates Core postulates: these are beliefs that are often taken for granted. The beliefs and communication styles differ between the two cultures. The Indonesian students take into considerations their beliefs and values which help them better understand and appreciate their country. 2.3 Language and non-verbal patterns Non-verbal communication patterns are those used to send visual messages without the need to talk. Communication takes place through gestures or body language or objects (Mead & Andrews, 2009, p. 43). It is the silence in communication. Australians are loud people unlike the Indonesians who are quiet. The Indonesian students communicate with each other using their language despite their being in a foreign land. 3.0 Social structure/role expectations Hofstede140 3.1 Interpersonal relationships Interpersonal relationships provide a means through which development of trust and positive attitudes can be formed between individuals. Individuals and the differences in culture can complicate the relationships that exist in institutions. Differences that may exist between individuals in one culture are immense than those that exist between groups. Interpersonal relationships can exist between romantic partners, with family, peer groups also in the workplace. The social relationships in the university are mainly group based where they share ideas. Rules govern the groups to ensure that there is maintenance of harmony and respect in the institution. 3.2 Dimensions of other cultures Dimensions of other cultures include factors such as individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance index, power distance index, long term orientation and indulgence (Hofstede et al., 2002, p. 132). The differences emanate from the culture values and the country of residence for each student. 3.3 Analysis: Assessment of the differences and similarities in cultures and value dimensions The similarities that exist between the students is the fact that they are all students of the same institution of learning. The differences are on the cultural dimension. Masculinity is low in Australia because of the influence of the German culture. Uncertainty avoidance index is relatively high in Australia than it is in Indonesia. Individualism is relatively high in Australia compared to Indonesia where they practice the culture of collectiveness. As for masculinity, Australia emerges as being more competitive and the value of education is high as compared to Indonesia. 4.0 THEORY EXPLANATIONS The tenets of Hofstede's and Kluckhohn & Strodtbeck theories help in the understanding of the Australian culture. They provide an insight into the differences and similarities between the Australian and Indonesian cultures. 4.1 Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory Hofstede's theory bases its discussion on the assessment and the differences that exist in the different cultures of the world. It is also known as the cultural dimensions theory. It helps us to understand the differences of the Australian culture. Data was gathered and analyzed about the values and cultures of the world so that a model was built that explained the existence of differences among people (Berry, 1997, p. 20). The different dimensions in which people differ include power; collectivism vs. individualism, uncertainty avoidance, indulgence and masculinity. Cultural sensitivity should be promoted so that internal communication and negotiation in an institution or organization improves. Summary of Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions theory Australian culture: Indonesian culture: Individualism Collectivism Masculinity Masculinity Low uncertainty avoidance index High uncertainty avoidance index Low power distance index High power distance index Short-term orientation Long-term orientation 4.2 Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck’s theory Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck’s theory are also a values orientation theory that suggests the importance of solving problems universally. They maintain that different cultures dictate the different preferences that exist among the individuals. Similarities between humans exist in levels that include social, physiological, cultural, personal and cognitive levels. This theory becomes useful in the examination of changes in cultural mores over a long time (Jandt, 2009, p. 192). The cultural dimensions identified here include; relationship with nature, human activities, relationship with people, relationship with time and human nature. The theory has helped in the understanding of my ethnic group in that it highlights the levels of similarities between Australia and Indonesia and the different cultural dimensions that exist. Ethnocentrism is where one tends to believe that an ethnic group or cultural group is more valuable, and those other groups that exist measures on the way they relate to them. Stereotyping is where; beliefs exist concerning groups or individuals based on prior assumptions. Culture shock is the hard situation that people face when they have to adjust to new cultures. Adaptation is the practice of getting used to the new environment or culture. 5.0 How the theories help in improving I.C.C: 5.1 Strengths and weaknesses of the theories The strength of Hofstede's theory model is the ability to present a broad spectrum of values. These values need acknowledgement for the intention of ensuring the population essential under study. It indicates the values that are suitable for work places and learning institutions. The strength lies in the discovery of the dimensions through which it portrays differences and similarities, which are; power, masculinity, uncertainty and individualism. This provides a clear picture of what is valued in different cultures. Cultures change over time, and it is not considered in this theory (Gooderham & Nordhaug, 2003, p. 138). The theory also suggests the importance of culture change, which may consume a lot of time, especially for those who are not willing to accept the change. It categorizes cultures on the basis of culture value orientations that are dominant. The study of culture is not only based on the values but on forms, customs and propositions. Hofstede's theory does not put into consideration the other factors. The Kluckhohn & Strodtbeck theory recognizes the availability of a variety of solutions in a society. Also, the fact that the alternatives are available at all times, individuals may make their choices at their own time. The theory assumes that various available alternatives can be chosen by people from the same culture because they have the option of doing so. The reality that is considered is that even people who have the same cultural background have different preferences. People have different tastes and preferences and the theory should take that into consideration. Conclusion The Australian university consists of students from different cultural backgrounds. It is, therefore, necessary to understand the cultures so that they can have a healthy relationship with the other students. The case study is about the problems of culture that are faced by Indonesian students in an Australian university. Culture is a model of human action and the representative structures that provide such activity importance. The Hofstede's and Kluckhohn & Strodtbeck theories provide an insight on the different cultural values and dimensions that exist. It helps us understand the effects of cultural similarities and differences in the workplace, learning institution and other places. The strengths and weaknesses of the two theories are also highlighted in the essay. The differences between the Australian and Indonesian Cultures are depicted by such factors as Individualism verses collectivism, Masculinity, long and Short-term orientation, power distance index, and uncertainty avoidance index. References: Berry, J. (1997). Handbook of Cross-cultural Psychology: Social behavior and applications. New York: John Berry Gooderham, P. & Nordhaug, O. (2003). International management: cross-boundary challenges. New York, NY: Wiley-Blackwell Hofstede, J., Pedersen, P. & Hofstede, H. (2002). Exploring culture: exercise, stories, and synthetic cultures. Yarmouth, ME: Intercultural Press. Jandt, F. (2009). An Introduction to Intercultural Communication: Identities in a Global Community. London: SAGE Mead, R. & Andrews, G. (2009). International Management. New York: John Wiley and Sons Nardon, L. & Steers, R. The culture theory jungle: divergence and convergence in models of national culture Read More