Power Distance
What is power distance in cultural theory?
Power distance refers to the extent to which less powerful individuals in a society accept and expect power to be distributed unequally.
Define individualism in cultural contexts.
Individualism is oriented toward personal goals and independence, in which individuals place their own achievement above the group.
Name one significant indigenous group in Canada.
The Musqueam are one significant indigenous group in Canada.
What are Hofstede's cultural dimensions?
Hofstede's cultural dimensions are power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, masculinity vs. femininity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, and indulgence vs. restraint.
Define globalization.
Globalization is the process of increased interconnectedness and interaction between people, companies, and governments worldwide.
Can you give an example of a high power distance culture and explain how it affects leadership?
India may take a more hierarchical approach to decision-making, perhaps giving greater respect and deference to those in authority.
How does collectivism manifest in a society?
In collectivist societies, individuals take priority with group harmony and family obligations over personal goals. For instance, in Japan, group decision-making is valued over individual opinion.
How do indigenous worldviews differ from Western views in terms of land ownership?
Whereas for most Indigenous worldviews, land is part of a living ecosystem and a common resource, in most Western views, land is private property, a commodity.
How does uncertainty avoidance affect risk-taking in different cultures?
Cultures with high uncertainty avoidance prefer structured environments and are less likely to take risks, while low uncertainty avoidance cultures are more comfortable with ambiguity and risk-taking.
How has globalization affected indigenous cultures?
Globalization has often marginalized indigenous cultures by imposing dominant global values and systems, but it has also provided a platform for indigenous groups to advocate for their rights on a global scale.
How does power distance impact workplace communication and decision-making in multinational companies?
While in a high power distance culture, communication is much more formal and decisions are taken by the top management, in low power distance cultures, employees may have more say in decision-making
Compare the effects of individualism and collectivism on conflict resolution styles.
While conflict is more directly approached and mainly seen as a means of solving a problem within individualistic cultures, collectivistic cultures approach conflict more indirectly and seek above all harmony.
What is the importance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for indigenous people in Canada?
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada recognizes harms perpetrated in the past against indigenous peoples-in particular through residential schools-to foster healing and reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous people.
Discuss the role of masculinity vs. femininity in shaping gender roles in society.
In masculine cultures, there is a strong distinction between gender roles, with emphasis on achievement and competition, whereas feminine cultures value relationships, modesty, and caring for others.
What is the relationship between globalization and cultural homogenization?
Globalization can lead to cultural homogenization by spreading dominant global cultures (like Western pop culture), which may diminish local traditions and diversity.