Cultural Orientations PDF

Module 3 Cultural Orientations Environment: How individuals view and relate to the people, objects and issues in their sphere of influence. Presented by: Saratan China China,officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. Wit...

Module 3 Cultural Orientations Environment: How individuals view and relate to the people, objects and issues in their sphere of influence. Presented by: Saratan China China,officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it is the world's second-most populous country after India, representing 17.4% of the world population. China spans the equivalent of five time zones and borders fourteen countries by land. With an area of nearly 9.6 million square kilometers (3,700,000 sq mi), it is the third-largest country by total land area. CULTURAL VALUES OF CHINA Benelovence The fundamental principle of Confucianism, benevolence, is highly valued by the Chinese and stems from the significance of blood and family ties. This kindness, albeit grounded in familial bonds, extends to friendships and social relationships, generating a whole set of values that include justice, courtesy, wisdom, honesty, loyalty, self-discipline, and dedication. This proverb, "A peaceful family will prosper," is well-known and widely accepted. Righteousness Righteousness refers to justice and correctness. As Confucius said, “the gentleman understands what is moral; the small man understands what is profitable There are not only individual benefits but also collective and social benefits. All people should seek what benefits both the individual and the society. As two Chinese sayings put it, “Everybody is responsible for the rise or fall of the country” and “Be the first to show concern and the last to enjoy yourself  Wisdom Wisdom requires that one distinguish right from wrong, place capable people in suitable positions, know oneself, and be resourceful. Confucius said, “Benevolence means to love and wisdom means to understand others. ” One must have a loving heart to love others, and one must have wisdom to understand others. Loyalty Loyalty stresses service to the motherland. It is an emotion and a value that evolves from blood ties and means that in cases of foreign invasion citizens should exert all efforts to protect their country as they would protect their own homes. Loyalty also means faithfulness to family and friends. Filial Piety Filial piety is another important value in Confucianism. According to Confucius, “Respecting and supporting the family’s senior members and handling their funeral affairs are duties of younger generations, and “caring for the old and nurturing the young are fundamental family virtues". Time: How individuals perceive the nature of time and its use. Presented by: Antanod  Objective This report explores how cultural differences in time perception affect how individuals relate to people, objects, and issues. What is Cultural Orientation in Time? Cultural orientation in time refers to the way different cultures understand and prioritize time. It influences how we plan our days, set our goals, and even how we interact with others. 1. Past Orientated Culture 2. Present-Oriented Culture 3. Future-Oriented Culture  Past-Oriented Culture People in past-oriented cultures respect traditions, value history, and often look to their ancestors for guidance. They believe that the wisdom of the past shapes the present and should influence future decisions Examples : 1. China 2. India  Present-Oriented Culture These cultures focus on the "here and now." People in present-oriented societies emphasize enjoying the moment, being spontaneous, and making the most of each day. They might not stress too much about the future or dwell on the past—they live in the moment. For example, in many Caribbean and Latin American cultures, the present is highly valued. Social interactions, community gatherings, and celebrations often take precedence over rigid schedules or future planning.  Future-Oriented Culture Future-oriented cultures. In these societies, the future is paramount. People focus on setting goals, planning ahead, and Working towards long-term success. Punctuality and sticking to schedules are crucial in future- oriented cultures. United State Japan  Monochronic and Polychronic Time Orientation Monochronic cultures see time as linear, like a straight line with a clear beginning, middle, and end. People in these cultures prefer to do one thing at a time. They value punctuality, schedules, and planning. This is typical in monochronic cultures like Germany or Switzerland. Polychronic cultures, on the other hand, view time as more fluid. They are comfortable multitasking and may see relationships and social interactions as more important than sticking to a strict schedule. In these cultures, it’s common for meetings to start later than planned or for multiple conversations to happen at once. Many African, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cultures lean towards this polychronic approach. Why Does This Matter?  Action: How individuals conceptualize actions and interactions. Presented by: Vanessa Ladan Introduction to Action and Interaction What are Actions and Interactions? Actions - Behaviors or activities individuals engage in, either by themselves or with others. Interactions - The way people engage and communicate with each other, whether verbally or nonverbally. Cultural Influence on Actions and Interactions: Every culture has its own set of rules, values, and expectations about how people should behave and interact with others. These cultural differences affect how people see themselves and those around them in social situations.  A Comparison of How Individuals Conceptualize Actions and Interactions in the Philippines and the United States  Actions in the Philippines vs United States Focus on Group Harmony Focus on Individualism o Actions in the Philippines o In the U.S., individuals are are driven by the desire to encouraged to take action maintain harmony within based on personal goals and groups, like families, friends, ambitions, focusing on self- reliance and independence. or coworkers. This is seen in the value of “pakikisama” (getting along).  Actions in the Philippines vs United States Politeness and Respect for Equality in Actions: Authority o Actions reflect the belief that o Filipinos show respect for all people, regardless of age or elders and authority figures authority, have equal standing. in both everyday actions and People speak up for their language ("po" and "opo"). personal rights. They consider the impact of their actions on those above them.  Indirect Communication o Avoiding Conflict: Filipinos often use indirect language to avoid confrontation, preferring to imply disagreement rather than express it outright. Interaction in the This is to prevent hurting others’ feelings. Philippines vs Direct Communication United States o Straightforward: Americans value clarity and directness in conversations, even if it means expressing disagreements openly. They believe this leads to honesty and better outcomes.  Hospitality and Inclusiveness o Warm and Welcoming: Filipino interactions are centered on being welcoming and inclusive, with gatherings often involving large, extended families or communities (“salu-salo”). Interaction in the Philippines vs Respecting Personal Space United States o Formality in New Relationships: Personal space is more defined, and interactions are often more formal until relationships are established. Overfamiliarity early on can be seen as intrusive.  Respectful Gestures o Filipinos show respect through gestures like “mano po” (asking for a blessing by touching an elder’s hand to the forehead), reflecting a respectful, hierarchical way of interacting. Interaction in the Philippines vs Casual Gestures United States o Americans typically engage in informal greetings, like handshakes, and address each other by first names, even with authority figures. Communication: How individuals express themselves Presented by: Pastor  Philippines: Verbal and Non- verbal communication Verbal Communication Style - Filipinos will try to express their opinions and ideas diplomatically and with humility to avoid appearing arrogant. The tone of voice varies widely by language, dialect and region. Indirect Communication - Filipinos often communicate indirectly in order to prevent a loss of face and evoking shame on either side of an exchange. They tend to avoid interrupting others and are more attentive to posture, expression, and tone of voice to draw meaning.  Refusals - Since many Filipinos try to save face and avoid the shame in their interactions, many will be overly polite and seldom give a flat ‘no’ or negative response. Respect - When speaking to those who are older or of higher status, Filipinos tend to use the polite forms of speech. Non-verbal Physical Contact - Among relatives or friends of the same gender, it is common for Filipinos to walk hand in hand or arm in arm. Personal Space - When interacting with people they are familiar with, Filipinos tend to prefer standing at an arm's length from one another. Around strangers this distance is farther.  Laughter - While Filipinos often laugh in conversations, the meaning of laughter tends to depend on the situation. Pointing - Filipinos may point to objects by puckering their lips and moving their mouths in the direction they are pointing to  Space: How individuals demarcate their physical and psychological space. Presented by: Chua In Japan, the concept of space—both physical and psychological—is deeply rooted in cultural norms, and individuals place significant importance on maintaining harmony and respect in their interactions. The way space is managed reflects broader societal values such as wa (harmony), tatemae (public face), and honne (true feelings). Here are some key elements of how individuals in Japan demarcate their physical and psychological space: 1. Physical Space and Proxemics Public and Private Spaces: There is a strong division between uchi (inside) and soto (outside), reflecting the boundaries between private and public spaces. Homes are often considered highly private, while public spaces are shared and treated with decorum. 2. Psychological Space Silence and Non-verbal Communication: Silence is often used to create psychological space 3. Architecture and Space Shoji Screens and Minimalist Design: Japanese homes often feature open, flexible spaces with sliding doors (shoji) that can be adjusted to create separate areas or combine them, reflecting the fluidity between public and private spaces. 4. Politeness and Avoiding Intrusiveness Deference and Distance in Conversations. 5. Group Dynamics and Individual Space Group Harmony (Wa): Japanese society places high importance on the group over the individual, but this also extends to ensuring everyone feels comfortable in the group. Power: How individuals view differential power relationships. Presented by: Feliciano  The cultural dimension of power distance refers to individuals’ acceptance of power inequalities in society. Countries characterized by high power distance at the collective level face more domestic extremism. 1.Power Distance Index (PDI) High Power Distance Cultures*: In countries with high power distance (such as many in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East), people tend to accept hierarchical structures and unequal power distributions.. Low Power Distance Cultures: In contrast, low power distance cultures (such as many in Western Europe and North America) encourage more egalitarian relationships. Individuals expect more equality in power and often feel comfortable questioning or challenging authority. These cultures value collaboration and the decentralization of power.  2,Collectivism vs. Individualis Collectivist Cultures; In collectivist societies (found in many parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America), group harmony, loyalty, and conformity are prioritized over individual desires. People in these cultures may view differential power relationships as beneficial for maintaining social order and stability. They might tolerate or even support unequal power structures if they believe it serves the greater good. - Individualist Cultures: Individualist cultures (prevalent in many Western nations) place a higher value on personal freedom, autonomy, and self-expression.  3. *Cultural Perception of Authority* - * Respect for Authority: In many cultures, authority figures, such as elders, political leaders, or religious figures, are highly respected, and their power is rarely questioned. This reverence may stem from deep- rooted traditions, such as Confucianism in East Asia, which emphasizes social hierarchy and respect for authority. Skepticism of Authority: In contrast, people in cultures with a history of democratic values or revolutionary movements (e.g., France, the United States) may view power relationships with skepticism.  4. Global Power Structures and Colonial Legacies Postcolonial Societies: Many individuals in postcolonial societies are deeply aware of the global power imbalances created by colonialism power relationships are viewed. People in these societies may be critical of international power structures, seeing them as a continuation of imperialism, where wealthier nations exert disproportionate influence over developing countries. Western Dominance in Global Systems*: In many non-Western cultures, there is a perception that Western countries (especially the U.S. and European nations) dominate global economic, Individualism: How individuals define their identity Presented by: Bambao HOW FILIPINO DEFINE THEIR IDENTITY? Filipinos, their identity is often deeply influenced by a combination of historical, social, and cultural factors. Here are a few key aspects: Family and Community Religion and Spirituality Language and Communication Traditions and Festivals Hospitality and Warmth Cultural Heritage  Family and Community Filipino place a high value on family and community ties. The concept of "bayanihan" (communal unity and cooperation) reflects the importance of helping one another and working together. Family is central, and extended family networks often play a crucial role in individual lives.  Religion and Spirituality Religion, particularly Christianity (especially Roman Catholicism), is a cornerstone of Filipino identity. Religious festivals, traditions, and practices are deeply woven into daily life and cultural celebrations. Language and Communication Philippines is linguistically diverse, with over 175 languages spoken. Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English are the official languages, and local languages and dialects play a significant role in regional identity and cultural expression.  Traditions and Festivals Filipino identity is often expressed through traditional practices and festivals, such as "Sinulog," "Panagbenga," and "Pahiyas." These celebrations reflect regional cultures and historical influences. Hospitality and Warmth Filipinos are known for their hospitality and warmth towards guests. This trait is a significant part of their cultural identity and is reflected in the way they welcome and interact with others.  Cultural Heritage Filipino identity is also shaped by its rich cultural heritage, including influences from various colonizers and traders, such as Spanish, American, and Chinese. This blend of cultural influences is evident in Filipino cuisine, art, and daily life.  Competitiveness: How individuals are motivated. Presented by: Rosarito Motivation is not a personal characteristic, but a product of interpersonal interactions. Hence, motivation can be influenced significantly by Professors, Family members, and Friends.  Being motivated also means having enough self-awareness to know what works for you and what doesn't. Rather than depending on others to give you a reason for doing, your sense of motivation comes from within. Your drive comes from your interests, values, and passions, not someone else's checklist.  If you're wondering how to overcome a lack of self- motivation 1. Develop a growth mindset, not a fixed mindset 2. Set goals with the SMART goals method: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound 3. Take a moment to sit down and do a self-evaluation 4. Step out of your comfort zone sometimes 5. Look at your failures as learning opportunities 6. Practice gratitude so you can be motivated by the good things in your life 7. Try to keep a positive attitude and practice positive thinking when you’re discouraged 8. Reward yourself for your successes and forgive yourself for your failures  Self-motivation works through you. It doesn’t depend on others. When you motivate yourself, you push yourself to reach your personal goals through hard work and passion. Being motivated helps you see your daily tasks as part of your long-term goals and consider how what you’re doing lines up with your life purpose. Structure: How individuals approach change, risk, ambiguity and uncertainty. Presented by: Obiña Many people worldwide have admired the Japanese approach to productivity and success. At the heart of this approach is the concept of Kaizen, which means continuous improvement. The Japanese believe that by making small, consistent changes over time, they can achieve significant advances in all areas of life. Another prominent Japanese concept related to productivity is Ikigai. This term refers to the reason for being or the purpose of life. The Japanese believe everyone has an Ikigai and that finding it is essential to leading a fulfilling and successful life.  Risks 1. Collectivism and Group-Oriented Decisions Cultural Context: Japan is a collectivist society, meaning that individuals prioritize the group (whether it be family, company, or community) over individual desires. Consensus Decision-Making: Decisions are often made through a process of nemawashi (informal groundwork discussions) and ringi (formal decision-making process), where the opinions of various stakeholders are considered. 2. Conservatism and Aversion to Uncertainty Risk Aversion: Japanese society tends to be risk-averse, favoring stability and predictability. Cautious Financial Behavior: On a personal level, many Japanese individuals save a significant portion of their income, prioritizing financial security over risky investments. 3. Respect for Hierarchy and Authority Deference to Authority: There is a strong respect for hierarchy in Japan, and people often rely on senior leaders or authoritative figures to make critical decisions. Risk Transference: By following established rules and norms set by superiors, individuals can transfer responsibility for potential risks, reducing personal exposure to the consequences of failure. 4. Focus on Long-Term Stability Long-Term Perspective: The Japanese tend to take a long-term view when approaching risks. This is reflected in the careful planning of businesses and personal lives. Lifetime Employment and Job Security: In business, for example, the concept of lifetime employment has traditionally been common, where companies provide long-term job security in exchange for employee loyalty. 5. Social Pressure and Fear of Failure Avoiding Shame: In Japanese culture, loss of face or embarrassment can be a strong deterrent to risky behavior.  6. Preparedness for Natural Disasters Cultural Adaptation to Natural Risks: Living in a country prone to earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis, Japanese people are highly aware of the risks posed by natural disasters. 7. Risk in Innovation and Technology Balancing Innovation with Stability: In sectors such as technology and manufacturing, Japan has been a leader in innovation. However, even here, the approach to risk is cautious.  1. Ambiguity Tolerance for ambiguity: Japanese culture generally has a high tolerance for ambiguity. Ambiguity is often seen as a way to maintain social harmony, avoid direct confrontation, and allow for flexible interpretations. Indirect communication: Japanese individuals often use subtle or indirect language to avoid causing discomfort or conflict. This can lead to situations where things are left unsaid or are only implied. The listener is expected to "read the air" (空気を読む - *kuuki o yomu*), Group consensus: In a group-oriented society, ambiguity can be a way to allow everyone to save face while still moving forward with decisions.  2. Uncertainty Preparedness and planning: In the face of uncertainty, Japanese individuals and organizations often invest heavily in planning and preparation. Whether it's for natural disasters, business decisions, or social interactions, there is a strong cultural value placed on being prepared for multiple outcomes. Risk aversion: Generally, Japan is considered a society with a low tolerance for uncertainty (high uncertainty avoidance). People tend to be cautious and risk-averse. Consensus and gradual decision-making: Instead of making abrupt decisions in uncertain situations, Japanese individuals often prefer to gather extensive information, seek consensus, and proceed cautiously. Cultural norms and predictability: The structured nature of Japanese society, where roles, rituals, and behaviors are clearly defined, helps manage uncertainty. Thinking: How individuals conceptualize. Presented by: Vale American conceptualize Americans understand and interpret concepts, values, and ideas is shaped by a variety of factors that reflect the country’s diverse and dynamic nature.  Freedom and Individualism In American culture, freedom and individualism are central values. Americans often view personal freedom as a fundamental right and believe in the importance of individual rights and self- reliance. This can be seen in the emphasis on personal responsibility and the belief in the "American Dream" the idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination.  Democracy and Government Americans generally value democratic principles and view democracy as a system where government is accountable to the people. There's a strong belief in the importance of voting and civic participation. American democracy is also often conceptualized in terms of checks and balances, with a focus on separating powers between different branches of government.  Capitalism and Economic Opportunity Capitalism is a major component of American economic thought, with a belief in free markets and competition driving innovation and growth. There's a focus on the idea that economic success should be based on merit and hard work, although there are varying opinions on the role of government in regulating the economy and providing social safety nets.  Diversity and Multiculturalism The United States is often seen as a "melting pot" or a "salad bowl," reflecting a diverse and multicultural society. Americans may conceptualize diversity in terms of inclusivity and the blending of different cultures and backgrounds, although opinions on how best to manage and embrace this diversity can vary widely.  Patriotism and National Identity American patriotism often emphasizes national pride and a sense of unity based on shared values and history. National identity in the U.S. can be complex, incorporating various symbols, traditions, and historical narratives that reflect both pride in the country's achievements and critical reflections on its past.  Education and Innovation Education is highly valued in American society, often seen as a pathway to personal and professional success. There is also a strong emphasis on innovation and technological advancement, with a belief in the role of education and research in driving progress and solving societal challenges.  THANK YOU FOR LISTENING