Building Blocks of Culture
#1 Individualism and Collectivism  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN4umOOqwM0&feature=emb_title
§ Individualism
“ People identify primarily with self, not group.
“ The needs of the individual are met before the group.
“ Group membership is not essential to ones identity, survival, success.
“ Independence and self-reliance are greatly valued and is goal of parenting.
“ People are judged by individual achievement and not the group they belong to. 
§ Collectivism
“ Who you are is a function of the group (e.g. the family, the work team)
“ The immediate family is the smallest unit of survival
“ The nail that sticks up must be hammered down.
“ Harmony and interdependence of group members are stressed and valued. 
Short Essay Question #1 “ 
Are you more individualistic or collectivist in terms of how you view yourself and your responsibility to others? Give at least two examples. Worth 5 points 
Type your answer here: 
VIDEO #3 
#2 Monochronism vs. Polychronism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLDE7pt9TY4&feature=emb_title

Monochronism

“ Time is limited.
“ Deadlines and schedules are sacred.
“ Plans are not easily changed.
“ People may be too busy to see you.
“ Needs of people are subservient to demands of time.
“ People expect undivided attention.
“ Interruptions are to be avoided.
“ To be late, to be kept waiting is rude.
“ People stand in line!
“ The goal is to stick to the schedule.

Polychronism

“ Time is bent to meet needs of people
“ There is always more time!
“ Schedules and deadlines are easily changed.
“ Plans are fluid.
“ People always have time to see you.
“ People may do several things at once and split time between several people/tasks.
“ Interruptions are normal part of life. The goal is to enjoy life.
“ People dont stand in line!
“ To be late or kept waiting is O.K.
Short Essay Question #2“ 
Are you more monochronic or polychronic in terms of how you understand and manage time? 
Type your answer here: 
Worth 5 points; Your answer should be a minimum of 4 full sentences. You must give at least two examples to support your answer. 

VIDEO #4
#3 Direct vs. Indirect Talk  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plub5wrrT_A
Concept of giving Face 

Directness

“ People say what they mean and mean what they say.
“ There is no need to read behind the lines.
“ It is best to tell it like it is.
“ People are less likely to imply and say exactly what they are thinking.
“ Yes means Yes! 

Indirect

“ People dont always say what they mean.
“ One must read between the lines.
“ People are more likely to suggest or imply than to come out and say what they think.
“ One cannot always tell it like it is.
“ Yes may mean maybe or even no 
§ The importance of face
“ To give  face to another person to preserve dignity and respectability of another
“ To lose face to feel embarrassment or to have self-worth questioned
§ Face less Important
“ Telling the truth is more important than sparing someones feelings.
“ Honest is the best policy.
“ It is o.k. to say no and to confront people.
“ Getting/giving information is primary goal of the communication exchange.

Face is more Important

“ Preserving harmony and saving face are key concerns,
“ Truth should be adjusted when it threatens someones face.
“ One says what one thinks the other person wants to hear so as not to disappoint.
“ It is not always proper to say no, disagree, or confront
“ Preserving personal bond is goal of communication exchange. 
Short Essay Question #3 “ 
Are you more direct or indirect in terms of how you communicate with others? Are you sensitive to the concept of face-giving and face-saving when communicating with someone who is older or of higher status? 
Type your answer here: Worth 5 points; Your answer should be a minimum of 4 full sentences. You must give at least two examples to support your answer. 

VIDEO #5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cIeJlMoF38
#4 Locus of Control 
§ Internal or External 
“ The view of self and ones place vis-à-vis the external world
“ Is life what happens to you? (External)
“ Is life what you make of it? (Internal) 
§ Locus of Control-Internal
“ Life what you make of it.
“ There are no limits to what one can do or become.
“ Your success is your own achievement.
“ You are responsible for what happens to you. 
“ Life is what you DO (a more activist culture) 
§ Locus of Control-External
“ Life is largely predetermined “ control external to the individual.
“ There are limits to what one can do or become.
“ Your success is combination of effort and good luck.
“ Life in large part is what happens to you.
“ Fatalistic view = It wasnt meant to be.
Short Essay Question #4 “ 
Do you relate more to the Internal Locus of Control of External Locus of Control (who is in control of your life?) 
Type your answer here: 
Worth 5 points; Your answer should be a minimum of 4 full sentences. You must give at least two examples to support your answer. 

VIDEO #6
#5 Power Distance  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXQK7Iq8cz0

How a society deals with inequality between people.
The distinctions between people in their access to      power and their level of status 

§ High Power Distance
“ Corporate structures are authoritarian; power is centralized.
“ One defers to authority.
“ Managers hold on to power.
“ Subordinates do not take initiative but wait for explicit instructions.
“ Rank has privileges.
“ Manager/subordinate relations are formal.
“ Decisions are made at the top.
“ One does not openly disagree with/say no to the boss. 

Low Power      Distance

“ Democratic management style
“ Managers share some power with subordinates.
“ Subordinates do not like to be micromanaged.
“ Decision making tends to be consultative.
“ Rank has few privileges. 
“ Manager/subordinate relations are fairly informal.
“ It is o.k. to disagree with/say no to the boss. 
Cross Cultural Lessons

Most people      behave rationally. What is rational in one culture may not be in another.
One should      try to understand a behavior even if they dont like it.
Not all      behavior is tied to culture.
Be      willing to ask for      clarification when YOU dont understand. 
Dont assume sameness.
Be willing      to listen and suspend judgment.

Short Essay Question #5“ 
Are you more comfortable with a High Power Distance or Low Power Distance orientation when interacting with other people? 
Type your answer here: 
Worth 5 points; Your answer should be a minimum of 4 full sentences. You must give at least two examples to support your answer.