Aspects of Culture Mainstream American
Culture Other Cultures 1. Sense of self and space Informal, Handshake Formal Hugs, bows, handshakes 2. Communication and language Explicit, direct communication
Emphasis on content--meaning found in words Implicit, indirect.
communication. Emphasis on context--meaning found around
words 3. Dress and appearance "Dress for success" ideal. Wide
range in accepted dress Dress seen as a sign of
position, wealth, prestige. Religious rules 4. Food and eating habits Eating as a necessity--fast food Dining as a social experience.
Religious rules 5. Time and time consciousness Linear and exact time
consciousness. Value on promptness-->time = money Elastic and relative time
consciousness. Time spent on enjoyment of relationships 6. Relationships, family,
friends Focus on nuclear family.
Responsibility for self. Value on youth, age seen as
handicap Focus on extended family.
Loyalty and responsibility to family. Age given status and
respect 7. Values and norms Individual orientation.
Independence Preference for direct confrontation of conflict Group orientation. Conformity.
Preference for harmony 8. Beliefs and attitudes Egalitarian. Challenging of
authority. Individuals control their destiny. Gender equity Hierarchical. Respect for
authority and social order. Individuals accept their
destiny. Different roles for men and women 9. Mental processes and learning
style Linear, logical, sequential,
Problem-solving focus Lateral, holistic, simultaneous.
Accepting of life's difficulties 10. Work habits and practices Emphasis on task. Reward based
on individual achievement. Work has intrinsic value Emphasis on relationships.
Rewards based on seniority, relationships. Work is a
necessity of life
Source: The
Managing Diversity Survival Guide: A Complete Collection of
Checklists, Activities, and Tips/Book and Disk,
by Lee Gardenswartz and Anita Rowe