Cross-cultural Differences in Values and Beliefs

1
Lecture 16
Cross-cultural Differences in Values and Beliefs
2
Overview

• One cannot know about another culture without
  first being aware of the values of ones own
  culture.
• Then, one can contrast them with persons whose
  communicative behavior is different.
• Values have an impact on communication.
• Knowing the values of another culture helps one
  to assimilate and become more adept at
  communicating.

3
Overview (cont)

• The study of values is essential to intercultural
  communicators.
• Values are important because they establish
  standards and guidelines that define appropriate
  behavior in a culture.
• Note that cultures are not static.Values change
  and they differ over time and in different
  circumstances.

4
Cultural Values

• Standards by which we judge our behavior and
  choose our goals in life.
• Function as the framework for our needs and guide
  and direct our behavior.
• Standards that guide not only action but also
  choice, attitude, evaluation, argument,
  rationalization, etc.
• Once we have decided to act, our values cause us
  to consider the action as good or bad, right or
  wrong.

5
Values of a Typical American - Results (25
students answered)

• Freedom - 21 (84)
• Money and Material Goods - 16 (64)
• Individuality - 15 (60)
• Achieving Individual Success - 15 (60)
• Equality - 9 (36)

6
Dominant Values of Americans

• Individualism Activism
• Freedom Achievement
• Equality Practicality
• Democracy Time
• Humanitarianism Informality
• Self-improvement Morality
• Progress

7
Dominant Values of Americans

• Individualism Activism
• Freedom Achievement
• Equality Practicality
• Democracy Time
• Humanitarianism Informality
• Self-improvement Morality
• Progress

8
Values of a Typical Arab - Results (23
students answered)

• Religion - 21 (91)
• Group Identification - 17 (74)
• Knowledge of ones Heritage - 15 (65)
• Hard Work, Productiveness - 10 (43)
• Honor Respect for Elders - 8 (35)

9
Dominant Values of Arabs

• According to Patai The Arab Mind (1976)
• Hospitality
• Generosity
• Courage
• Honor
• Self-respect

10
Dominant Values of Japanese

• Group Identification / Collectivism
• Hard work
• Respect for Authority and Elders
• Education
• Punctuality

11
Dominant Values of Koreans

• Freedom
• Hard work
• Achievement
• Respect for parents
• Obedience to and protection of the family
• Honesty
• Think of others well-being

12
Dominant Values of Filipinos

• Respect for elders and extended family
• Camaraderie
• Loyalty
• Harmony
• Cooperation
• Religion
• Prefer group orientation to individualism

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Differing Values

• Q-1 A class project is to be worked on as a
  group. Most of the eight members are juniors.
  They need to choose a leader. Who should lead?
• 1. A is a competent senior.
• (41-J, 30-A) (Class 100-J, 26-A)
• 2. B is a very interested junior.
• (30-J, 21-A) (Class 0-J, 17-A)
• 3. C is extremely knowledgeable about the
  project, but is a sophomore.
• (29-J, 49-A) (Class 0-J, 57-A)

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Differing Values (cont)

• Q-2 A meeting at the dorm is expected to last
  late. Everyone is expected to stay until the end.
  You have an unfinished term paper due in the
  morning. You will
• 1. Attend the meeting and stay up all night to
  finish the paper.
• (49-J, 17-A) (Class 95-J, 21-A)
• 2. Make an excuse to the meeting directors and go
  elsewhere to finish the paper.
• (17-J, 10-A) (Class 5-J, 8-A)
• 3. Explain that you have to finish the paper but
  in any case you will not attend the meeting.
• (35-J, 73-A) (Class 0-J, 71-A)