Cultural Models: Schein & Hofstede

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Questions and Answers

What do universalism and particularism primarily differ in?

The perception of time as limited or flexible

How rules are applied in various situations (correct)

The importance of individual success versus group loyalty

The approach to emotional expression in social contexts

Which dimension considers whether success is based on personal achievement or social standing?

Achievement vs. Ascription (correct)

Individualism vs. Communitarianism

Specific vs. Diffuse

Neutral vs. Affective

In the context of time perception, what do sequential time and synchronous time indicate?

The role of verbal agreements in cultural contexts

Variations in emotional expression across cultures

Different approaches to individual versus group goals

The flexibility or rigidity in managing time (correct)

Which of the following reflects the key focus of individualism?

The ability to act independently (A) Signup and view all the answers

What approach does particularism advocate for agreements?

Modification of agreements based on context (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Hofstede’s Cultural Onion model primarily represent?

Different levels of culture (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered the core of a culture in Hofstede's model?

Values (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which component of Cultural Intelligence focuses on an individual's knowledge of cultural differences?

CQ Knowledge (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Schein's model of organizational culture, what do symbols represent?

Meaningful words, gestures, and objects (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes rituals as defined by Hofstede’s model?

They can be performed without specific purpose (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Cultural Intelligence involves the individual's confidence in adapting to multicultural situations?

CQ Drive (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the SMART acronym stand for in the context of goal-setting?

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-limited (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four components of Cultural Intelligence?

Decoration (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of low-context cultures?

Communication is precise, simple, and clear. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes high-context cultures?

They rely on the context of the message rather than just the words. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do monochronic cultures view time?

They prioritize punctuality and fixed agendas. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In which type of culture is public space more prevalent?

Collectivist cultures with smaller physical distances. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What did Geert Hofstede aim to analyze through his surveys?

Cultural norms and values influencing management. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of polychronic cultures?

They frequently engage in multitasking and flexible agendas. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'private space' refer to?

The larger distance between individuals in individualistic cultures. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which culture is an example of a low-context culture?

German (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for promotion in an achievement-based system?

Meritocracy (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes ascription in a cultural context?

Status relies on the position one occupies. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of quantitative studies in cultural research?

Imposition of external concepts. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In Erin Meyer’s Culture Map, how is low-context communication characterized?

Communication is direct and precise. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes high-power distance cultures?

Acceptance of autocratic power relations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of feedback is considered indirect in evaluating performance?

Subtle and nuanced feedback. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is ‘cultural crossvergence’ as described in the context?

The merging of different cultural values. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which option best explains 'principle-first' persuasion?

Theoretical concepts are presented before applications. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does power distance (PDI) measure in a society?

The degree of acceptance of unequal power distribution (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes high uncertainty avoidance (UAI)?

Low risk-taking and preference for order (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does individualism differ from collectivism (IDV)?

Individualism focuses on personal decisions and achievements. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of masculinity vs. femininity, what does masculinity emphasize?

Achievement and competitiveness (C) Signup and view all the answers

What major focus defines long-term orientation (LTO)?

Pragmatic values oriented towards future rewards (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does indulgence differ from restraint in terms of societal behavior?

Indulgence allows for freedom in desires and less control over impulses. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does low uncertainty avoidance (UAI) signify about a society's collective behavior?

High risk-taking and comfort in ambiguity (B) Signup and view all the answers

What change occurred to the masculinity vs. femininity dimension in October 2023?

It was renamed to Achievement and Success. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Schein's Model of Organizational Culture

Distinguishes between symbols/artifacts, norms/values, and basic assumptions.

Hofstede's Cultural Onion

A model visualizing culture.
Developed by Geert Hofstede.
Layers represent different cultural levels: symbols, heroes, rituals, and values.
Surface layers (symbols, heroes, rituals) can be changed, but the core (values) remains fixed.

Symbols

Words, gestures, images, or objects with culturally specific meanings.

Heroes

Real or fictitious people embodying valued cultural characteristics.

Rituals

Collective activities socially essential for achieving objectives.
Some rituals are superfluous, but socially essential.
Examples include greetings, religious or social ceremonies.

Values

Broad tendencies favoring certain states of affairs (e.g., good vs. bad, natural vs. unnatural).
Core of a culture.

CQ (Cultural Quotient)

Multiples intelligences relating to cultural awareness.
4 components: Motivation, Cognition, Metacognition, and Behaviour.

High/Low Context Cultures

Low Context: Emphasis on explicit communication.
- Focus on what is said directly.
- Messages are precise and clear.
- Important to provide context when needed.
- Examples: Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavian countries.
High Context: Emphasis on implicit communication.
- Information is embedded in the context/relationship.
- Communication can be indirect.
- Messages are nuanced.
- Examples: China, Japan, Latin America.

Monochronic vs. Polychronic Cultures

Monochronic: Linear time, focusing on doing one thing at a time.
- Adherence to schedules and plans.
- Importance of punctuality and privacy
- Examples: Germany, North America, Japan
Polychronic: Cyclical time, focusing on multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Flexible schedules and plans..
- Importance of relationships and building links; flexibility. -Examples: Latin America, much of Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Private Space vs. Public Space

Private Space: Individualistic cultures; larger physical distance between people.. Intrusion requires permission.
Public Space: Collectivist cultures; smaller physical distance between people. Less need to protect private space.

Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions

Power Distance Index (PDI): Extent to which inequality is accepted in a society.
Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI): Tolerance for ambiguity.
Individualism vs. Collectivism (IDV): Degree of interdependence in a society.
Masculinity vs. Femininity (MAS): Societal values that emphasize competition or cooperation.
Long-Term Orientation (LTO): Society's focus on the future or past.
Indulgence vs. Restraint (IVR): Extent to which a society allows free gratification of desires.

Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner's Cultural Dimensions

Universalism vs. Particularism: Importance of rules vs. relationships.
Individualism vs. Collectivism.
Specific vs. Diffuse: Extent to which people separate professional from personal lives.
Neutral vs. Affective: Extent to which emotions are expressed openly.
Achievement vs. Ascription: How status is achieved.
Sequential time vs. Synchronous time: Importance of punctuality vs. flexibility.
Internal/External: Societal control over the environment.

Communication Styles

Direct vs. Indirect.
Negative feedback: strategies for conveying criticism.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of Schein's Model of Organizational Culture and Hofstede's Cultural Onion. This quiz examines symbols, values, heroes, and rituals that define cultural structure, as well as the importance of cultural intelligence (CQ). Test your understanding of how these frameworks impact organizations and interpersonal interactions.