The link existing between communication, culture and cultural identity is very complex, as well as, an intimate one. On the first account, cultures are a creation of communication i.e. communication provides a way that human beings interacts taking into consideration the different existing cultural identities in the society. These may be in terms of customs, rules, laws or even the gender roles. In particular, cultures and cultural identities are a product of various social communications. This means that without the existence of communication, it would be extremely difficult to pass and also preserve cultures and cultural identities thus creating the link between the three aspects i.e. communication, culture and cultural identities. This means that the two latter elements are created, shaped and also transited through communication. In addition to the discussion of the three aspects above, the preceding article will analyze the cultural differences in Chinese using the Hofstede theoretical model.
The research conducted by Hofstede is significant in the field of cross-cultural psychology. The dimensions that Hofstede founded make an illustration of the deeply ingrained values of various diverse cultures. Notably, the values have an impact on how people having varied backgrounds of culture behave and also the ways in which they will sure behave when in a context of a working environment. The cultural dimensions as proposed by Hofstede include power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism vs. collectivism, Masculinity vs. Femininity, Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation and lastly Indulgence vs. Restrain.
Power distance.
Power distance is that extent by which those who are less powerful in any entity will expect, as well as, accept the even distribution of power within the entity. China has a relatively high ranking here meaning that there is a considerable distance of authority between the superiors and their subordinates. However, this is both acceptable and reasonable. The high power distance in the Chinese culture emanates right from the relationship between father and son in the setup of a family. As a result, there is always a sense of respect and admiration that is conferred to this type of relationship that is primarily that of a ruler and a subject. In the history of the Chinese culture, superiors often encourage their subordinates to conduct research, analysis and also plan various activities in the organizations. However, the decision-making activity solely remains with the leader making a ground between a good leader and loyal followers.
Individualism vs. Collectivism
This is the concept that proposes whether or not the Chinese cultural society think as a group or individually. In China, there is a high rating of the concept meaning that they are highly collective and on most occasions think as one group. The Chinese culture, therefore, puts more emphasis on the goals of a work group, as well as, family as opposed to the needs and desires of individuals. In such a setting, conformity to the ideologies of the group is encouraged for individuals. Besides, the culture proposes that the individuals should only undertake what is in the best interest of the group and as a result, the Chinese culture discourages the expression of beliefs, as well as, opinions that are contrary to it. Therefore, cooperating and also working with others is the acceptable norm as individualism is perceived as being shameful.
Uncertainty Avoidance
Here, China has a lower ranking meaning that ambiguous situations are acceptable in the culture and as a result, they do not feel deterred by such. On the surface, it appears as though China possesses numerous regulations, as well as, rules for purposes of avoiding ambiguous situations. However, they have the propensity to change and also bend the rules as the situation at hand dictates. As a result, the Chinese culture does not encourage adventure and maximally avoid unstructured scenarios through the implementation of standardizations. Also, the Chinese language and characters present an enormous ambiguity making the interpretation and comprehension of the concept extremely difficult. Hofstede theory makes an assertion that the Chinese culture as that having a high uncertainty avoidance, its people cannot easily accept pieces of advice, work independently or even self-manage.
Masculinity vs. Femininity
This concept is of significance as the Chinese and American cultures tally. This means that the Chinese culture is driven by achievements, successes and also a competition of masculinity. In most occasions, the Chinese men put their work before other activities of leisure or even their families. This is evidenced by the Chinese workers, often men, leaving their families behind to go and work away in factories and even out of the country for long periods. This is an indication of their love for work over anything else. Through an analysis of Hofstede concept, the Chinese culture can be described as medium masculinity. This is because it focuses on ethical, moral, as well as, harmonic dominance in the society.
Long-term vs. Short-term Orientation
The Chinese have a high ranking on this aspect. This means that they focus more on perseverance, as well as, persistence because of their perceived long-term orientation associated with their culture. They thus dedicate much of their time towards the achievement of their set goals. The large population in China consumes a considerable amount of natural resources and as a result, it is bound to make constantly long-term decisions for the integration of long-term functions for purposes of formatting a highly efficient government. Lastly, concerning the concept of indulgence vs. restraint, the culture of the Chinese is considered to be restraint because of the nature of their rules and values. Besides, they focus more on serious activities and do not take leisure as a necessity. Because of this, one has to be careful when dealing with the rules and ways of thinking of the Chinese people since they will be excessively difficult to alter.
With the above, the culture of the Chinese comes out as a great context one. With this, one of the great hurdles for those who are new in the Chinese society is the comprehension of the enormous differences in the styles of communication. This is evidenced by the way in which most of the Chinese people have immense difficulties communicating with foreigners in the country. Such affect communication through the creation of great psychological distance between the cultures of the Chinese and the foreigners. In conclusion, the integration of different dimensions of cultures is necessary for effective communication in the society.
References
Hobova, Y. (2016). Chinese in Hong Kong: cultural and linguistic background of two identities. International Communication of Chinese Culture. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40636-016-0049-y
Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's consequences. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications.
Hofstede, G. (2011). Dimensionalizing Cultures: The Hofstede Model in Context. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, 2(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.9707/2307-0919.1014
Jackson, R. (2002). Introduction: Theorizing and analyzing the nexus between cultural and gendered identities and the body. Communication Quarterly, 50(3-4), 245-250. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01463370209385662
