Cross-cultural Communication for a White American Catholic
According to House, (2004), the 9 Globe Cultural Dimensions are as follows:
Performance Orientation- In my culture, we are brought up with the knowledge that each person has to excel. It is often drummed into us that we come from a family of hardworking farmers, innovators and patriots who work hard to provide for themselves. Each member is encouraged to identify their trade early and perfect it all through their lives.
Uncertainty avoidance- To propagate our culture and ensure continuity, the cultural practices such as gender roles are taught to the younger generation by elders, expressed in artwork and songs.
In-group Collectivism- The sense of belonging and pride within the community is not really clear and largely depends on the family and kind of upbringing. Some families foster a sense of pride in their families through shared family rituals/ celebrations like Thanksgiving, while others do not put emphasis on such.
Power Distance- From a young age, children are taught to respect elders in the community this is shown through simple acts like speaking respectfully, helping the aged or sick and accepting to run errands for any elder regardless of the relationship.
Gender Egalitarianism- In the olden days, there were no efforts to actively influence gender equality. Women were disadvantaged through gender roles that limited their achievement. However, due to modernity and in line with the developing equality in gender and the recognition that every gender is important, the community is slowly getting rid of gender prejudice.
Humane Orientation- People who show humane actions and attitudes are praised and their stories told to encourage other members of the community to emulate their good example.
Institutional Collectivism- Our culture tries to promote communal responsibility. Even though people create their own wealth like in any other capitalist economy, there is effort to extend a hand to the less fortunate in the community and frequent fund-raisers to help different courses.
Future Orientation- The culture is still traditional and acts such as marrying as a virgin are still considered noble being from a Catholic background. Those who delay gratification through acts like pursuing their education to higher levels are applauded.
Assertiveness – Self-determination and self-advocacy are actively nurtured in this culture. Assertiveness, especially for women could be deemed as disrespectful in the past but this has changed overtime. Many members have been cultured to speak for themselves and others.
References
House, R. (2004). Culture, leadership, and organizations. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications.
