Chapter 3

• framework on essential elements of culture: cross cultural risk, dimensions, language, religion, models and explanation, managerial implications
• manifestations of culture include art and tangible products
• culture shapes our behavior
• culture affects the common rituals of daily life
• culture captures how the members of society live
• culture explains how we behave towards each other and with other groups
• culture defines our values and attitudes and the way we perceive the meaning of life
• McDonalds standardization versus localization is a textbook example of handling risk globally
• food is among one of the most interesting aspects of national culture
• we should concern ourselves with culture in cross border business because culture introduces new risks
• culture is not right and wrong, rather culture is relative
• culture is not about individual behavior, it is about groups. it refers to a collective phenomenon of shared values and meanings
• culture is not inherited, culture comes from peoples' social environment
• socialization is learning the rules and behavioral patterns appropriate to one's society
• acculturation is the process of adjusting and adapting to a culture other than one's own
• more than any feature, culture illustrates the differences among society based on language, habits, customs, and modes of thought
• anthropologists use the iceberg metaphor to call attention to the many dimensions of culture, some obvious and some not so obvious
• we are usually unaware of the nine tenths of our cultural makeup that exists below the surface
• the iceberg concept three layers of awareness: high culture, folk culture, and deep culture
• high culture is cultural makeup that is visible
• fine arts, drama, literature, classical music are all examples of high culture
• folk culture is cultural makeup that we are aware of
• humor, religion, etiquette, folk dancing, popular music, cooking, rites of passage, diet, dress, courtship practice are all examples of folk culture
• deep culture is the below the surface more meaningful and powerful aspects of culture that we are unaware of
• gender roles, greetings, superior-subordinate relationships, family relationships, conversational patterns, nonverbal communications, right versus wrong, beauty, decision making, problem solving, color are all examples of deep culture
• values represent a person's judgments about what is good or bad, acceptable or unacceptable, important or unimportant, and normal or abnormal
• values are the basis for our motivation and behavior
• our values guide the development of our attitudes and preferences
• our values guide us in the decisions we make and how we lead our lives
• typical values in North America and northern Europe include work, being on time, and the acquisition of wealth
• attitudes are similar to opinions, but are often unconsciously held and may not be based on logic
• prejudices are rigidly held attitudes, usually unfavorable and usually aimed at particular groups of people
• manners and customs are ways of behaving and conducting oneself in public and business situations
• customs that vary worldwide relate to work hours and holidays, personal greetings, drinking and toasting, appropriate behavior at social gatherings, gift giving, and women in the workforce
• in Japan, it is usually a mistake to not offer a gift in initial meetings
• the Middle East is characterized by generous gift giving
• handshaking varies across the world
• time has a strong influence on business, as it affects peoples' expectations about planning, scheduling, profit flows, and promptness in arriving for work and meetings
• managers in Japan tend to prepare a strategic plan for extended periods, such as a decade
• people in past oriented cultures believe plans should be evaluated to fit with traditions, customs, and wisdom