Reflections on Cultural Variation

Interpret and explain the meaning of the premise and reflection columns. How do they relate to concept and example columns?

Premise

To understand others we must know the lenses by which we view the world.

Theory/Concept

Value Orientations towards:
• Human relations
• Time
• Activity
• Information flow
• Authority

Example

• Individualism/Collectivism (I/WE)
• Limited/Infinite
• Doing/Being
• Low/High
• Horizontal/Vertical

Reflection

It is easier to understand
our own culture than is to learn about every culture on earth.

Value Orientations impact how decisions are made, how people perceive each other, and how they view themselves.

Questions

• What stereotypes about collectivistic (We) cultures may be held by individualistic (I) cultures?
• Given the dominance of individualism and competition in United States, what would be the consequences of implementing genuine cooperation?
• Given the dominance of collectivism in Japan, what would be the consequences of implementing competition and individualism?
• What stereotypes about individualistic cultures may be held by collectivists?
• Identify the ways in which your life is impacted by the way culture influences the way we perceive time and activity.
• How does your school or institution organize time and activity?
• What would be the consequences of making genuine change in the organization of time and activity?