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3.4: End of Chapter Material

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    Final Reflection

    In this chapter, we have surveyed two approaches to the study of cultural values: that of Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck, that of Hofstede. The study of values will no doubt remain a vibrant subject for cross-cultural researchers.

    However, implicit in Hofstede's work, in particular, is the idea that there exists such a thing as a national culture. In discussing cultural values, we have temporarily gone along with this suggestion. However, in closing, let us raise the question of whether the idea of national culture actually makes any sense. McSweeney (2002, p. 110), echoing the sentiments of many other scholars insists that "the prefixing of the name of a country to something to imply national uniformity is grossly over-used." In his view, Hofstede's dimensions are little more than statistical myths. Perhaps culture is a term better applied to small collectivities and any such thing as national culture is a mere illusion.

    Key Takeaways

    • The Kluckhohn-Strodtbeck Value Orientations theory posits that every culture faces the same basic survival needs and must answer the same universal questions.
    • The basic questions faced by people everywhere fall into five categories and reflect concerns about human nature, the relationship between human beings and the natural world, time, human activity, and social relations.
    • Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck hypothesized three possible responses or orientations to each of the concerns.
    • Hofstede's Dimensions of Culture theory highlights similarities and differences between national cultures.
    • Hofstede's theory identifies six dimensions: power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, masculinity vs. femininity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term vs. short-term orientation, and indulgence vs. self-restraint.
    • Despite its popularity, Hofstede's theory has been criticized for a number of reasons, including its methodology, conclusions, and poor representation of current cultures.

    Exercises

    1. Choose two national cultures that interest you. Compare and contrast them using Hofstede's six dimensions of culture.
    2. Choose a community that you know well and decide where you think most members of the community would place themselves within Table 3.1-the Kluckhohn-Strodtbeck Value Orientations framework. Explain your reasoning. Are your views the same or different from those of your primary community?
    3. Is your primary cultural community a "high-indulgence" or a "high-restraint" community? How does this cultural orientation align with your own personal orientation? Are you a "high-indulgence" or a "high-restraint" person?
    4. Do you think it is possible to identify national values, or do you think values differ significantly from person to person and place to place? Explain.

    References

    Chinese Culture Connection. (1987). Chinese culture and the search for culture-free dimensions of culture. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 18(2), 143-164.

    Hamden-Turner, C., & Trompenaars, F. (1997). Response to Geert Hofstede. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 21(1), 149-159.

    Hill, M. D. (2002). Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck's values orientation theory. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, 4(4). https://doi.org/ 10.9707/2307-0919.1040

    Hofstede, G. (1997). Cultures and organizations: Software of the mind. McGraw-Hill.

    Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G. J., & Minkov, M. (2010). Cultures and organizations: Software of the mind (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.

    Jandt, F. E. (2016). An introduction to intercultural communication: Identities in a global community (8th ed.) SAGE Publications.

    Kluckhohn, F. R., & Strodtbeck, F. L. (1961). Variations in value orientations. Row, Peterson.

    McSweeney, B. (2002). Hofstede's model of national cultural differences and their consequences: A triumph of faith—a failure of analysis. Human Relations, 55(1), 89-118. https://doi.org/10.1177/ 0018726702551004

    Orr, L. M., & Hauser, W. J. (2008). A re-inquiry of Hofstede's cultural dimensions: A call for 21st century cross-cultural research. The Marketing Management Journal, 18(2), 1-19.

    Rokeach, M. (1979). Understanding human values: Individual and societal. The Free Press.

    Schwartz, S. H. (2006). A theory of cultural value orientations: Explication and applications. Comparative Sociology, 5(2-3), 137-182. https:// doi.org/10.1163/156913306778667357


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