Chinese Culture - Essay Example

Cultural Awareness Name Institution Tutor Date Introduction Cultural awareness is an important aspect for professionals in any particular field. This is because professionals do not work in a vacuum but rather in an environment which has people from diverse cultures. It is therefore essential for professionals to have cultural awareness. This paper provides a reflection and discussion of cultural awareness in the field of Information Technology. Reflection on My culture and what I have learnt from other Cultures Chinese culture is one of the most distinct cultures that exist in the world. This is because what goes on within the Chinese culture is evidently very different with what takes place in other cultures in the world. Foremost when looking at the Chinese Language. It can be stated that the Chinese language is quite different both in written and spoken language. The manner in which we speak and even write down our words greatly differs from the English language. After interacting with people from the English culture, I noted that English language is much more simplified and easy to write and even speak when a person has been taught effectively. I also took note of the fact that there are similar aspects in the diverse cultures. For instance; the Australians value their cultural festivals similar to the Chinese people. Chinese have various festivals which take place during the year. Some of the festivals include the Mid-Autumn festival, Pure Brightness Day and the lantern Festival. Australians also have various celebrations which include the Australian Day and the Anzac day. In my opinion when different cultures put significance in cultural aspects such as festivals then they are bound to understand the significance of cultural festivals. For instance; when the Australians have their Anzac day, I will accommodate the festival based on the fact that I also have our traditional festivals which I consider important. As posted by Kathy Grant during the discussion, it is import to be aware of other people culture in order to show then respect when needed. I also learnt from the posting that people perceive the significance of cultural awareness in different ways. I took note of the fact that there are people who stated that learning concerning cultural awareness is actually not very important. In their opinion being aware of other people culture may lead to stereotyping. In my opinion however I think it is essential for people to be aware of other people culture , this will assist a professional to know the do’s and the don’ts when dealing with that particular person. For instance the Indians perceive animals such as cows as sacred as a result negative comments concerning cows will not be accepted. The Chinese also value their religion, Buddhism is also famous in the Chinese just like it is for the Indians. In my opinion I think such values should be respected. One of the most significant cultural attributes is our cuisine. I must confess that I was not aware of the fact that our cooking or food is appreciated by many people across the globe. When I came to Australia I become aware of how famous our cooking is among people from different cultures. This therefore made me realize that despite of the existing cultural diversity among people, we all have the something in another person’s culture that we appreciate. For instance; I like the manner in which Australians communicate. I acknowledge the fact that IT professionals have to learn to accommodate other cultures and deal with them appropriately. How Culture, Diversity, and Principles of Consultation Influence an IT solution I will develop as an IT Professional Culture is basically a key element when it comes coming up with an IT solution. One of the posting that was presented by Lucy Grant on whether cultural awareness is significant for IT experts supported the idea that cultural awareness is import based on the fact that understanding people’s culture assists IT experts to show respect (Grant, 2015). Also as argued by Herbertson et al (2007) the world today calls for understanding the cultures of different regions. There is therefore need to come up with IT solutions that looks into the different cultures of the world. As an IT professional it is essential to develop solutions that can meet the needs of the different cultures that exist in the world. A case in point is when coming up with IT solutions for businesses such as web Teleconferencing there is need into consideration cultural aspects. For instance the Chinese language is a significant aspect of culture that should be put into consideration. When developing the web Teleconferencing for a business in China, it is essential to put into consideration the issue of language. Most Chinese people use the Chinese language as opposed to English in their business communications. Therefore, it is essential that an IT professional should put into consideration the Chinese language. Also when developing an IT solution such as the Teleconferencing for an organization within the Aboriginal community, it is essential to put into consideration their cultural requirements. Aboriginals put a lot of value on their land and their traditions. It is therefore essential that when developing a Teleconferencing solution with an Aboriginal organization, such cultural considerations have to be put concern. When conducting Teleconferencing solutions for the organization significant aspects of the cultural aspects will be included this include; their language, their art and their attachment to their environment and land. A significant argument today is the issue of recognizing diversity in the IT sector. One of the key areas of diversity is within the workforce. Due to increased globalization and economic development, diversity within the employees is also expected. IT organizations have adopted approaches such as outsourcing and the use expatriates which increases diversity within the workforce (Trauth et al, 2008). When developing IT solutions, professions should ascertain that they put into consideration the issue of workforce diversity. It is essential to work with people from different cultures, in order to for them to feel as being part of the project. Additionally, it can be stated that IT professionals are supposed to understand their clients and the existing diversity among them. Based on the global diversity of the IT workplace it is essential for IT experts to understand the existing differences that exist in the work environment. A case in point is when working with experts from the Chinese culture, it is essential to put into consideration the fact that spirituality is a significant factor of consideration. In most of the Chinese projects spiritual elements of Buddhism are often put into consideration. Many of the Chinese paintings, art and sculptures often depict the spiritual figures of the Buddhism. When an IT solutions for a Chinese business the logos used and other artistic designs used should depict the Chinese culture. Controversy however exists on whether IT professional are supposed to put into consideration the concept of cultural diversity. For instance; Matthew Wilton posted that IT professionals do not need to learn about culture and cultural awareness due to the fact that if one is working in a culturally diverse environment with people from different cultures one is not supposed to look at them as just another individual and begin stereotyping about their culture and cultural requirements .This may actually make them feel more alienated. However, one is supposed to treat them equally. It can be stated the Wilton’s view is correct however it is vital to put into consideration the culture and beliefs of people from different cultures in order to not offend then through actions or words. Consideration of cultural diversity is also important among the Aboriginal community. The aboriginal community have a distinct culture as opposed to other Australians. Diversity is a key element within the Aboriginal community .When compared to other cultures that exist in Australia, the Aboriginals manifest a culture consisting of different languages however many of the languages are currently distinct. Their songs, religious ceremonies, dances are quite different from other cultures. It is vital that IT professionals are aware of this distinctions in order to respect the existing diversity in this particular community. Consultation is another key aspect when implementing IT solutions within a certain community. In most cases communities are often isolated when IT projects are conducted. This is because when projects are established in a certain area, the community for instance the indigenous population are often excluded. They often just watch as the projects are being conducted. Herbertson et al (2007) highlights that IT projects do not exist in a vacuum. They can affect and be affected by the environment and the community. As a result, adequate community engagement strategies are essential in order to develop a win- win solution for the communities and proponents of the project. When establishing IT projects in any particular region there is need to engage the community. When working within the indigenous community it is essential to conduct consultations with them first before implementing any particular IT solution. For instance key attributes of their culture put a lot of significance on their land and their culture as a result it is essential for IT professional to consult first and involve the community when undertaking projects in their land. In conclusion, it is essential for IT professionals to practice cultural awareness. References Herbertson, K, Ballesteros, A, Goodland, R, Pasimio, J, 2009, Breaking Ground Engaging Communities in Extractive and Infrastructure Projects, World Resources Institute. Grant, L, 2015, Culture and IT, Posting on Discussion . Trauth, E, Huang, H , Quesenberry, J , Morgan, A, 2008, Leveraging Diversity in Information Systems and Technology Education in the Global Workplace, IGI Global. Wilton, P, 2015, Posting on the Question ; do we need to learn about culture to be a good IT professional? Read More