Intercultural Communications: Canadian Perspective - Essay Example

Power distance theory analyses the way different cultures deal with inequalities. This is the extent to which people from the minority group in a country accept and expect that there is an unequal distribution of power. Canadian culture is characterized by a low power distance. This is evident in workplaces where every employee has equal rights. Company employees have the right to speak out if they are not satisfied with the working conditions. This can be directly or through trade unions. Uncertainty avoidance theory analyses the extent to which people within a culture feel that they are threatened by unknown situations.

Canada's culture is weak in uncertainty mainly because of the diversity among people. People are more relaxed because they respect each other’s cultural background. Classify and apply three theories from an Ethiopian perspectiveEthiopia is a country that has a diverse mix of linguistic and ethnic backgrounds. This country is estimated to have more than 80 different ethnic groups, each having its own culture, language, custom, and tradition (Teum Teklehaimanot, 2015). Ethiopia has a collective culture where the relationship among people is emphasized to a greater degree.

People are defined by their family names and extended families are the focus of the country’s social system. Relatives from both sides of the family and close friends usually have a close relationship. Quite often when people marry, they live with their families so that there is a group to turn to when the need arises. In Ethiopia, there is high power distance, which means that people are expected to respect those who are in power or have a higher status in society. For example, women wear modestly as a way of respect.

They are expected to obey their husbands and take care of their children. The custom of this country expects people to bow when they are introduced to a person who is obviously older than them or who holds a senior position. Often children bow down. Ethiopia culture is also weak in uncertainty mainly because of the diversity among people. There are more than 80 ethnic groups in this country, each with its own customs, language, culture, and tradition. People are also from different religious backgrounds where there are Christians, Jews, and Muslims.

This makes people more relaxed and they respect each other’s cultural backgrounds.