Question : Differentiate between characteristics and ...



Differentiate between characteristics and elements of culture:

The characteristics of culture are as follows:

1. Culture is learned – experience and learning not inherited or biologically based. Culture is transgenerational – as it is transmitted from one generation to another and intergenerational when transmitted from one member of society to another member.

2. Culture is shared – it is not specific to single individuals – it’s a group thing

3. Culture is relative – no standard culture exists- differs from one another without being inferior or superior, right or wrong.

4. Culture is inter-related – if one thing in a culture change another will also

5. Culture is adaptive – it is learned behavior and therefore adaptive because it is based on the human capacity to change.

6. Culture is symbolic – based on the human capacity to symbolize or use one thing to represent another in behavioral patterns.

7. Cultural is pervasive – it affects almost everything people do, see, feel and achieve.

The elements of culture are as follows:

1. The prevailing political philosophy in a society

2. The prevailing economic philosophy in a society

3. The social structure of a society

4. The religion and ethical systems of a society

5. Language and communication in a society

1. Political philosophy

Political philosophy influences the values, norms, beliefs and attitudes of a society in very specific and definite ways. Note the way in which political systems can be evaluated in terms of the following interrelated sets of dimensions:

Collectivism

• Collectivism emphasizes collective goals as opposed to individual goals

• The ties between individuals are tight

• People are born into collectives such as extended families

• Everyone is supposed to look after the interest of his or her collective

Individualism

• Individualism emphasizes the importance of guaranteeing individual freedom and self expression

• The ties between individuals are loose

• Achievement is highly valued

Democracy

• Political system in which government is by the people

• Exercised either directly or through elected representatives

Totalitarianism

• Form of government in which one person or political party exercises absolute control over all spheres of human life

• Opposing political parties are prohibited

2. Economic philosophy

Economic systems and culture

It is evident that there is a strong relationship between political ideology and economic systems. There are three types of economic systems:

A market economy is

• Based on free market principles

• Private ownership

A command economy is

• Characterized by state owned assets

• Central planning by governments

A mixed economy

• Has the elements of free market and a command economy

3. Social structure

Characteristics of societal structure

In general, societies are characterized by the extent to which they are stratified and have class systems which influence the mobility of individuals within them.

Individuals, families and groups

In all societies, individuals live in family units, work together in groups and are members of numerous other social groups. As far as family-based groups are concerned family constitutes the most important group membership in many societies.

We also find gender-based and aged-based groups in societies. This originates from strong country-specific differences in attitudes towards males and females often based on religious precepts. Countries such as China and India have a strong preference for males.

Social stratification

In all societies people are categorized or stratified in classes based on factors such as:

• Birth

• Family background

• Occupation

• Education

• Income

They do however differ in ways that are important in terms of the influence of culture on business.

• They differ from each other with regard to the degree of mobility between social strata

• They differ with regard to the significance attached to social strata in a business context.

4. Religion and ethical systems

Religion may be defined as a system shared beliefs and rituals that are concerned with the realm of the sacred.

An ethical system on the other hand refers to a set of moral principles, or values that serve to guide and shape behavior.

Influence of religion on culture

We know, just by observing our own communities, that religion has a profound influence on lifestyles, values, beliefs, attitudes, ethical issues and interpersonal relationships. It is generally agreed that the relationship between religion, ethics, and society is profound and complex. Yet the international business manager must understand the importance and influence of religion and ethical systems in other countries to succeed in doing business in foreign cultures. It is well known that the influence or impact of religion varies from country

To country, depending on:

Differences in religion

• the country's legal system

• the degree of the homogeneity of religious beliefs in the country

• the tolerance of other religious viewpoints

Major religious and ethical systems

Even though there are many religions in the world, the four dominant religions are Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.

5. Language and communication

Importance of languages

There are more than 4 000 languages and more than 10 000 dialects spoken worldwide. As such, it is obvious that effective communication with people from different cultures who also have different languages poses a daunting challenge for the international business manager.

Lingual franca of international business

Despite the fact that Chinese (mainly Mandarin) is the most widely spoken first language with 20 per cent of the world speaking it, followed by English with 6 per cent; Hindi with 5 per cent, Russian with 4 per cent and Spanish with 3 per cent, English is the most widely spoken business language internationally, followed by French, Spanish and Chinese. Many countries also have more than one official language and in addition could have numerous dialects, all of which complicate effective international communication in business.

Importance of language in international business

Increased internationalisation and the continuous increase in MNEs worldwide have made effective communication across national borders imperative. There are many examples of poor proficiency in a foreign language resulting in business disasters. On the other hand, a skill in foreign languages may be a source of competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

Guidelines for effective communication

International business people should preferably familiarize themselves with customs, traditions and non verbal means of communication in foreign cultures.

• Language is important in gathering information on evaluation

• Provides invaluable access to local society

• Capability in becoming increasingly important in company communications

• Provides more than the mere ability to communicate.

6. Education

Education influences many aspects of culture and in every culture formal education plays a key role in society. It is an accepted fact that educated people read more widely and have a better understanding of what is happening in the world, which results in greater economic productivity and technological innovation. According to Porter (1980:395 ^7), education is an important determinant of national competitive advantage. Formal education is the medium through which individuals may learn many of the language, conceptual, mathematical and technical skills that are indispensable for economic growth in a modern society. In this way, formal education also shapes the cultural values and norms in a society. Different countries emphasize different aspects of education. In South Korea and Japan there is a strong emphasis on engineering and the sciences at university level. In Europe, the number of MBAs has increased sharply in recent years, as is the case in the US.

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