Unit 20: Vocabulary

An inclination towards a belief that is based on prejudice.

Every human has their own biases because humans are wired to seek out patterns based on life experience.

The social concept of placing higher value on the group rather than the individual (a Hofstede cultural dimension).

In collectivistic countries like China or Guatemala it is not uncommon for parents to live with their children rather than in nursing homes when they get old.

All factors that determine the particular circumstance of a situation.

Despite the language barrier it wasn't difficult to have a good conversation, because oftentimes the meaning became clear through context.

A measurable extent to which various societal or ethnic groups differ from one another based on a specific feature such as a value or belief.

Geert Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory is a widely accepted framework to measure cultural differences based on five key aspects and their impact on cross-cultural communication.

Evaluating other cultures based on one's own culture and customs.

Oftentimes stereotypes and racism are rooted in people's ethnocentric approach when experiencing other cultures, because they judge others based on their own culture's values rather than accept that the other person's culture has different values.

Being motivated by values such as cooperation, nurturing, and quality of life (a Hofstede cultural dimension).

Sweden places high on femininity which expresses itself in the prioritization of work-life balance, social inclusiveness, harmony, and such things as the “Jante Law” - an unspoken rule not to try to lift oneself above others.

To have an effect on something.

Both my parents moved to this country as adults, so naturally this impacts my views on immigration.

Unconscious and without intention; indirect.

My company's HR department organizes annual 'diversity and inclusion' workshops to promote tolerance and make everyone aware of their own implicit biases.

The social concept of placing higher value on the self rather than the group (a Hofstede cultural dimension).

It is generally understood that western countries tend to be more individualistic, a concept exemplified by the American Dream, which is all about succeeding as an individual.

The practice of allowing oneself to act on and take pleasure in one's desires and impulses.

Courtney's friends were shocked by the level of indulgence she demonstrated on her recent vacation - spending a lot of money on luxurious items and activities every day, and partying hard every night.

To be affected by something, to cause something to be a certain way.

When Fatima was young, her grandmother told her stories about living abroad, which highly influenced her ambition to move to a different country.

The inclination to focus on future success and gratification (a Hofstede cultural dimension).

People from cultures with long-term orientation tend to delay or give up short-term success or happiness in order to achieve more success and happiness in the future.

To be disgraced or humiliated; to go down in other people's opinion, especially in public.

When doing business in Asian countries like China, it is especially important to avoid embarrassing others by e.g. being too direct or confrontational, as losing face is a very serious matter there and can make or break a deal.

Being motivated by values like assertiveness, competition, achievement, and strength (a Hofstede cultural dimension).

Did you know that according to the Hofstede dimensions, Japan has the highest masculinity score? This gives great insights into what values are most important in this country.

A person's attitudes and way of thinking.

It's not that difficult to change your mindset, if you are willing.

Something that is seen as the standard, usual, and acceptable, and thus socially enforced.

In some cultures hugs are a popular informal greeting, whereas in countries like France kissing each other on the cheek is the norm.

Willing to consider other perspectives and ideas.

I am so impressed by Jamala's open-minded way of thinking; she is always eager to learn about another person's point of view, and waits before she forms an opinion.

Point of view, a way of looking at something.

Akira is an excellent mediator because he's very empathetic and able to look at issues from different perspectives.

The way that strength/vitality is distributed among the members of a group or society (a Hofstede cultural dimension).

The degree of power distance shows itself as hierarchy in all forms of organizations, be it in a family or a company.

A predetermined opinion that is not based on fact or experience.

Prejudice is learned, as is open-mindedness; so we need to think about what kind of example we want to set for our children.

The degree to which people feel a need to control or limit their desires and impulses in order to conform with societal norms.

Tabish showed remarkable restraint when his team lost the game, not allowing his emotions to get the best of him.

To think about one's own character and actions.

In order to self-reflect, we need to be honest with ourselves and try to look at our thoughts and feelings in a neutral, unbiased way.

The preference to focus on success and gratification in the present (a Hofstede cultural dimension).

Diego is a great salesman, because he really understands short-term orientation and is able to promote the immediate benefits of packaged food.

An oversimplified, often unfair and untrue idea of a specific group of people that is widely recognized by others.

Stereotypes like 'women are irrational and weak' are harmful because they are untrue but lead to discrimination with very real negative effects for - in this case - women.

To accept something without question or doubt, as it is presented.

People from low-context cultures like Germany appreciate directness and tend to take things at face value.

To be accepting of other opinions or practices that one does not necessarily agree with or understand.

Luckily, the world is becoming increasingly tolerant, which allows for a more harmonious co-existence with our fellow human beings.

The extent to which members of a society try to eliminate ambiguity, insecurity, suspense, and risk by gaining more knowledge and assurance (a Hofstede cultural dimension).

Cultures with high uncertainty avoidance tend to fear and reject change, whereas low uncertainty avoidance cultures tend to embrace and welcome change, as they do not fear the uncertainty that comes with it.

Applying to everyone or everything.

No matter where a person is from, dealing with emotions like love, fear and anger is a universal human experience that everyone can relate to.