culture and power! perceptions, cross-cultural communication, and other cultural factors that impact...
DESCRIPTION
Culture and Power! Perceptions, cross-cultural communication, and other cultural factors that impact employee success, policies, systems, and programs The perception of power is a cultural phenomenon. Different cultures accept the dynamic of power in very different ways. Some accept unequally distributed power as a natural part of the professional world, where other cultures engage and view that power is equal among contributors. This cultural concept is known as power distance. When in a “high power distance” culture, the relationship between bosses and subordinates is one of dependence. When in a “low power distance” society, the relationship between bosses and subordinates is one of interdependence. Knowledge of how you and your team perceive power and accept structure will impact the ease of communication and affect leadership style choices. Culture is a powerful dynamic that helps us understand and be more specific about relationship conflicts and triumphs. Learning Outcomes: Increase professional development, awareness, and communication strategies At the end of the seminar, participants will be able to: a) Leaders share cultural challenges and solutions b) Identify core issues and strategies to manage communication styles and differences c) Explore potential impact of language on perceived confidence and value d) Examine leadership styles and principles to accommodate power distance cultural factorsTRANSCRIPT
CULTURE AND POWER!
Delores Alexander
Director, Supplier Management IT
The Boeing Company
Power Distance• High Power Distance
– Relationship between bosses and subordinates is one of dependence
– Power and authority are facts of life
• Low Power Distance– Relationship between bosses and
subordinates is one of interdependence
– Preference for consultation
– Leaders encourage independent thought and contributions and expect (within reason) to be challenged
Malaysia 104 Japan 54
China 80 United States 40
India 77 Germany 35
Brazil 69 Ireland 28
France 68 Austria 11
High Power DistanceLow Power Distance
Map and Index Source: www.clearlycultural.com
Individualism vs. Collectivism
• Individualism– Ties between individuals are
loose– Stress on personal
achievements and individual rights
• Collectivism– People are integrated into
strong, cohesive in-groups– Focus on community, society,
nation or country Malaysia 26 Japan 46
China 20 United States 91
India 48 Germany 67
Brazil 38 Ireland 70
France 71 Austria 55
IndividualismCollectivism
Map and Index Source: www.clearlycultural.com
Masculinity vs. Femininity
• Masculinity– Preference for:
• Assertive• Achievement• Heroism• Material reward for
success
• Femininity– Preference for:
• Cooperation• Modesty• Caring for the weak and
quality of life
Malaysia 50 Japan 95
China 66 United States 62
India 56 Germany 66
Brazil 49 Ireland 68
France 43 Austria 79
MasculinityFemininity
Map and Index Source: www.clearlycultural.com
Uncertainty Avoidance
• High Uncertainty Avoidance– Rigid codes of belief and
behaviors, step-by-step planning
– People tend to be more emotional
• Low Uncertainty Avoidance– Accept and feel comfortable in
unstructured situations – People tend to be more
pragmatic
Malaysia 36 Japan 92
China 40 United States 46
India 40 Germany 65
Brazil 38 Ireland 35
France 86 Austria 70
High Uncertainty AvoidanceLow Uncertainty Avoidance
Map and Index Source: www.clearlycultural.com
Long Term vs. Short Term Orientation
• Long Term Orientation– Family is the basis of society– Parents and men have more
authority than young people and women
– Strong work ethic– High value placed on
education and training
• Short Term Orientation– Promotion of equality– High creativity, individualism– Treat others as you would like
to be treated– Self-actualization is sought
Malaysia - Japan 80
China 118 United States 29
India 61 Germany 31
Brazil 65 Ireland -
France - Austria -
Long Term OrientationShort Term Orientation
Map and Index Source: www.clearlycultural.com
Cross Cultural Communications
Cross cultural communication focuses on how people from different cultures,
background, beliefs and communities communicate across different cultures
Other Barriers to Cross Cultural Communication
• Lack of cultural understanding
• Language barriers• Hostile stereotypes• Behavior differences• Emotional display
Overcoming Cultural Barriers
Intercultural Communication Adventure with Little Pilot