Chapter 5 - Culture

Question 1

culture

Answer 1

the shared system of symbols, meanings, experiences, and behaviors that unite people into groups. According to Collier (1989), culture reflects a person’s identification and acceptance into a group that shares these elements.

Question 2

• Cross-cultural communication

Answer 2

compares communication between two or more different cultures — for instance, comparing U.S. managers to Korean managers.

Question 3

• Intercultural communication

Answer 3

on the other hand, refers to the actual interaction between individuals from different cultures — like a German executive reprimanding a Chinese subordinate.

Question 4

Cultures are not limited to …

Answer 4

nations
within a single national culture, there can be ethnic, racial, or gender-based subcultures.

Question 5

Hofstede’s cultural dimensions

Answer 5

a six-dimension model explaining how cultures differ in communication, values, and behaviors. These dimensions are continuous spectrums rather than fixed categories.

Question 6

Name alle 6 dimensions from Hostede

Answer 6

1: Individualism – Collectivism
2: High Uncertainty Avoidance – Low Uncertainty Avoidance
3: High Power Distance – Low Power Distance
4: Masculinity – Femininity
5: Long-Term – Short-Term Orientation
6: Indulgence – Restraint

Question 7

1: Individualism – Collectivism

Answer 7

This dimension describes how people define themselves and their relationships:
* Individualistic cultures emphasize independence, self-expression, and personal achievement. People prioritize their own goals and see themselves as separate from the group. Common values include autonomy, competition, and individual responsibility. Examples: the U.S., the U.K., Australia.
* Collectivistic cultures value group harmony, cooperation, and shared responsibility. Identity is defined through membership in social groups (family, community, workplace). The group’s needs outweigh personal goals. Examples: Japan, China, Colombia.

Question 8

o Individualistic, …-context communication (1)
o Collectivistic, …-context communication (2)

high/low?

Answer 8

1: low: direct, explicit, words carry meaning

2: high: indirect, relational, relying on shared understanding and nonverbal cues.

Question 9

2: High Uncertainty Avoidance – Low Uncertainty Avoidance

Answer 9

This refers to how comfortable people are with ambiguity and uncertainty.
* High uncertainty avoidance cultures prefer rules, structure, and predictability. They avoid risk and value clear guidelines. Example: Japan, Greece.
* Low uncertainty avoidance cultures tolerate ambiguity, take risks, and value innovation and flexibility. Example: the U.S., Sweden.

Question 10

3: High Power Distance – Low Power Distance

Answer 10

This dimension describes how societies handle inequality and hierarchy.
* High power distance cultures accept hierarchy and unequal distribution of power as normal. People with authority are rarely questioned. Example: Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia.
* Low power distance cultures value equality, minimize hierarchy, and encourage open dialogue between subordinates and superiors. Example: the Netherlands, the U.S., Sweden.

Question 11

4: Masculinity – Femininity

Answer 11

This dimension concerns gender roles and values.
* Masculine cultures emphasize ambition, competition, assertiveness, and material success. Men are expected to be dominant and career-oriented; women nurturing. Example: Japan, the U.S.
* Feminine cultures value relationships, quality of life, equality, and care for others. Gender roles are flexible, and consensus is preferred over conflict. Example: Sweden, Norway.

Question 12

5: Long-Term – Short-Term Orientation

Answer 12

• Long-term orientation: focuses on future rewards, persistence, and saving. Example: China, Japan.
• Short-term orientation: values tradition, the present, and immediate outcomes. Example: the U.S., Mexico.

Question 13

6: Indulgence – Restraint

Answer 13

• Indulgent cultures allow free gratification of human desires, encourage enjoyment, and value leisure. Example: the U.S., Mexico.
• Restrained cultures suppress gratification and value self-discipline, order, and moral control. Example: Saudi Arabia, Japan.

Question 14

gendered communication styles persist because

Answer 14

society continues to reinforce social roles — not because of innate differences.

Question 15

High-context communication

Answer 15

🧩 Kenmerk van collectivistic cultures (zoals Japan, China, Arab countries)

Communication is indirect, relational, and implicit.
- Much meaning is found in tone, gestures, silence, and shared understanding, not just words.
- Avoids confrontation — people “read between the lines.”

The goal is harmony and respect rather than directness.

Example:
🇯🇵 Japanese: Instead of saying “no,” someone might say, “That will be difficult,” meaning “no” politely.
→ Words are vague, but the meaning is clear to insiders.

Question 16

Low-context communication

Answer 16

🧩 Kenmerk van individualistic cultures (zoals Nederland, Duitsland, VS, Zweden)

Communicators are direct, explicit, and verbal.
Words themselves carry the meaning — je zegt wat je bedoelt.
- The goal is clarity and efficiency.
- People value honesty and straightforwardness, even if it feels blunt.

Example:
🇳🇱 Dutch: “You were late for the meeting. Please be on time next week.”
→ Clear, direct, and leaves little room for interpretation.