Cultural Values

Cultural Values Definition

In the realm of business studies, cultural values are ascribed to shared ideals and beliefs which ultimately guide the behaviour and decision-making processes within a community or social group.

These cultural values can be tangible, visible elements such as art, literature, or food, as well as less visible aspects like social norms, ethical standards, and religious beliefs.

Evidently, cultural values are intriguingly complex and can be broken down into:

• Individualistic versus collective values
• Materialistic versus spiritual values
• Long-term versus short-term orientation

The Importance of Cultural Values in Society

Cultural values remain an essential component of society because they hold a society together by creating common understanding and practices. Every culture possesses its own unique set of values that guides its members' actions and interactions and helps to understand their surrounding environment.

Below is a table that presents a comparison of cultural values between Eastern and Western societies.

Examples of Cultural Values

Cultural values are socially constructed beliefs and norms that guide the behaviour of individuals within a particular group. They are considered a fundamental part of a society's identity, often reflecting long-standing customs, traditions, and ideologies.

Various Cultural Values Examples from around the Globe

Cultural values can be vastly diverse from one society to another. What's considered common or standard behaviour in one region might be completely different in another due to the variable nature of these values. Here are a few notable examples of cultural values from different societies around the globe.

• Egalitarianism in Scandinavian Cultures: Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark highly value egalitarianism. This leads to relatively flat organizational structures, a balanced distribution of wealth, and an emphasis on gender equality and inclusion.
• Respect for the Elders in Asian Cultures: In many Asian societies, such as Japan and China, great respect is accorded to older people. Seniors are viewed as wise and experienced, and their opinions are highly valued.
• Individualism in American Culture: American culture places a high importance on individualism, self-reliance, and personal freedom. This is often reflected in their entrepreneurial spirit and democratic principles.
• Community and Extended Family in African Cultures: African societies, like those in Ghana and Nigeria, traditionally put a lot of emphasis on communal ties and extended family relationships.
• La Bella Figura in Italian Culture: Italians value beauty, aesthetics, and good manners, a value referred to as 'La Bella Figura'. This translates as 'making a good impression' and permeates everything from personal style to behavior and social interactions.

The Impact of Cultural Values and Beliefs on Individual Behaviour

Understanding cultural values and their implications on human behaviours is crucial in numerous societal and business contexts. These values significantly influence individuals' decisions, behaviours, and interactions. They define what's considered acceptable, desirable, or taboo in a society, greatly determining how individuals interact with one another and interpret the world around them.

For example, the Japanese value of 'Omoiyari', which translates to 'thoughtfulness' or 'consideration for others', fosters a culture where individuals think about the welfare of the group above their own interests. This is reflected in their business culture, which emphasizes group harmony, respect, and consensus-building.

In contrast, in societies where individualism is highly valued, like in the USA, individuals tend to prioritize personal goals, achievements, and rights. As such, their business culture tends to encourage competition, innovation, and personal responsibility.

Moreover, the impact of cultural values on behavior extends to every aspect of one's life and varies according to different life circumstances. This has been mathematically defined through an equation by renowned cultural psychologist, Geert Hofstede:

\[ Behaviour = Function (Personality, Culture) \]

This equation suggests that an individual's behaviour is a function of both their personality (personal values and beliefs) and their culture (collective values and beliefs). Consequently, it underlines the prevailing wisdom that understanding cultural values is crucial for understanding and predicting human behaviour.

An Insight into Cultural Values and Norms

Cultural values and norms are the DNA of a society, shaping how individuals think, behave, and interact with one another. These constructs provide a shared sense of understanding that helps to maintain order and facilitates meaningful communication within a group or society.

The Difference between Cultural Values and Norms

While cultural values and norms are closely interrelated, it's important to distinguish between the two as they play different roles within a cultural construct. In essence, cultural values are the shared beliefs that form the foundation of a group's or society's identity. They dictate what is considered essential, acceptable, or desirable within the society.

Examples may include:

• Respect for authority: found in hierarchical societies, where individuals are expected to show deference to those in positions of power.
• Individualism: emphasised in societies that value autonomy, initiative, and personal liberty.
• Collectivism: fundamental in societies where cooperation and group cohesion are prioritised over individual ambitions.

On the other hand, cultural norms are the specific behaviours that are accepted and expected in a particular society. They are essentially the 'rules' of the group – both written and unwritten – that guide everyday behaviour. Violating these norms can result in social sanctions or exclusion.

Examples of norms might include:

• Eating manners: norms about what is considered polite or impolite while eating.
• Dress code: norms governing what is appropriate to wear in different situations.
• Etiquette: norms outlining the proper way to behave in a variety of settings, from a formal dinner to a casual get-together.

In simple terms, while cultural values govern what people view as important, cultural norms dictate what they do in general and in specific situations.

How Cultural Values and Norms Shape a Society

Cultural values and norms exert a profound influence on the structure and functioning of a society. They significantly influence individuals' attitudes, behaviours, and interactions, ultimately shaping the societal fabric in many tangible and intangible ways. Here's an in-depth look into how they do this.

Firstly, cultural values and norms provide a sense of order and predictability. They set clear expectations for acceptable behaviour, ensuring that members of the society know how to behave and what to expect from others. This makes social life more orderly and predictable, reducing potential conflicts and misunderstandings.

Secondly, cultural values and norms help to foster social cohesion and stability. By promoting shared norms and values, societies create a sense of belonging and unity among their members. They provide a common framework that binds people together, promoting social harmony and facilitating cooperative efforts.

Thirdly, cultural values and norms guide decision making and problem-solving at both the individual and societal levels. They provide a framework for evaluating the appropriateness of actions, helping individuals navigate complex decisions and dilemmas

For instance, in societies where the cultural value of 'collectivism' is strong, individuals might be more inclined to make decisions that benefit the group rather than just serve their personal interests. Conversely, in societies that value 'individualism', individuals might prioritise personal goals and rights in their decision-making.

Lastly, cultural values and norms define societal identity. They contribute to a distinct cultural identity that sets one society apart from others. Even amidst increasing globalisation, these shared values and norms continue to provide a sense of identity and continuity, preserving the unique characteristics and traditions of different societies.

Therefore, cultural values and norms, collectively, form a societal blueprint that informs, shapes, and structures every facet of societal life, including its institutions, laws, social roles, and interpersonal relations. As such, understanding them is key to comprehending social behaviour and dynamics within a given society.

Cultural Values in the Workplace

In the modern, globalised working environment, cultural values are more relevant than ever before. With diverse cultures coming together in the workplace, variances in cultural values can significantly sway communication styles, workplace dynamics, and overall productivity. Understanding these values is crucial for maintaining harmonious workplace relationships and facilitating effective cross-cultural collaboration.

Role of Cultural Values in Shaping Workplace Behaviour

In a workplace setting, cultural values play an essential role in shaping employees' behaviours, attitudes, and interactions. They impact everything from decision-making processes to communication styles and conflict resolution strategies, effectively influencing the entire dynamics of the workplace.

Here is how cultural values can influence workplace behaviours:

• Decision-making: In cultures that value collectivism, such as many Asian societies, decision-making tends to be more cooperative and consensus-based. In contrast, cultures that emphasize individualism, like the United States, might foster individual initiative and creativity in decision-making.
• Leadership styles: In cultures with strong power distance values, such as India and Saudi Arabia, hierarchical leadership styles may be more prevalent. On the other hand, cultures with low power distance values, like Denmark and Sweden, may have more democratic or participatory leadership styles.
• Conflict resolution: Cultures that are high on assertiveness, like Germany, may prefer direct and confrontational conflict resolution styles. In contrast, cultures that value harmony and avoidance of conflict, like Japan, might choose indirect and non-confrontational methods.
• Work ethics and pace: Cultural values also influence work ethics and pace. For instance, Protestant Work Ethic observed in many North European and North American societies emphasize hard work, discipline, and frugality, leading to a faster pace of work. Conversely, societies that value work-life balance would have a slower pace of work.

Given the significant influence of cultural values on workplace behaviour, it is essential for businesses, especially those with a diverse workforce, to understand and consider these values when creating policies, strategies, and daily operational procedures.

Promoting Cultural Values and Beliefs in the Workplace Environment

Promoting cultural values in the workplace can yield numerous benefits. It can help foster mutual respect, improve teamwork, and increase employee engagement and satisfaction. However, this isn't a straightforward task and requires carefully crafted strategies that take into account the diverse values and beliefs of the workforce. Here are some measures that can be adopted to promote cultural values effectively:

• Educate and raise awareness: Organisations can provide cultural sensitivity training and workshops to their employees to educate them about different cultural values, norms, and ways of communication. This could also include disseminating information about different cultures through regular newsletters, team meetings, or online platforms.
• Encourage open communication: Cultivating an environment that encourages open, transparent discussion about cultural differences can help break down barriers and foster understanding. Regular team meetings and group discussions could serve as platforms for this exchange.
• Foster inclusivity: Organisations can strive to create an inclusive work culture where every employee feels valued and included, regardless of their cultural background. This could involve creating inclusive policies, ensuring diversity in teams, and providing equal opportunities for growth and development.
• Commend cross-cultural competencies: Recognising and rewarding employees who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to interact effectively across cultures can motivate others to develop those competencies. This could include praising those who show sensitivity towards and respect for cultural differences, smoothly adapt to foreign cultural contexts, or adeptly manage intercultural conflicts.

Thus, promoting cultural values and beliefs in the workplace goes beyond merely acknowledging cultural diversity. It's about creating an environment where these differences are respected, voiced, heard, and integrated into the daily operations of the organisation, ultimately enriching the workplace and enhancing its innovation, productivity, and morale.

Cultural Values in Communication

Cultural values are integral to communication patterns and styles. They form the very foundation upon which social interactions and exchanges are constructed, interpreted, and understood. From simple everyday greetings to complex business negotiations, cultural values inevitably punctuate every form of human communication. Understanding those values can strengthen cross-cultural communication, enhance mutual respect, and foster stronger interpersonal and business relationships.

Impact of Cultural Values on Communication Styles

To fully grasp the significance of cultural values in communication, it's crucial to delve deeper into how they sculpt distinct communication styles.

Cultural values influence communication in numerous ways - from the choice of words and tone of voice to body language and modes of expression. The manifestations of this influence can be seen in various communication phenomena including:

• High-context versus low-context communication: In high-context cultures (like Japanese, Chinese, or Arabic), communication is often indirect, and meaning is derived largely from context rather than explicit words. Conversely, low-context cultures (like German, American, or Swedish), rely on direct, explicit verbal communication.
• Verbal versus non-verbal communication: Some cultures have a rich repertoire of non-verbal cues (facial expressions, gestures, body language), whereby much communication takes place without words. On the contrary, other cultures pay greater attention to verbal communication.
• Formality versus informality: Cultural values also dictate the level of formality in communication. For instance, cultures that regard respect and deference as important, might exhibit more formal, respectful communication. In contrast, cultures that value equality and informality would engage in more casual, friendly communication.
• Polychronic versus monochronic orientation: Cultures with a polychronic orientation like most Latin American and Middle Eastern countries view time as flexible, leading to a more leisurely, less hurried communication style. Cultures with a monochronic orientation such as America and Switzerland regard time as a fixed, valuable commodity, resulting in more punctual, quick, and efficient communication.

Notably, these cultural variations in communication can create misunderstandings when individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds interact. Therefore, fostering cultural awareness can enhance understanding, bridge communication gaps, and improve overall communication effectiveness.

Understanding Social and Cultural Values in Communication

Encapsulating every single cultural value and its influence on communication is an enormously vast and intricate task. However, understanding some common social and cultural values can provide a useful starting point. Here are a few valued aspects fundamental to many cultures:

• Relationships and harmony: Cultures like Chinese, Japanese, or Korean emphasise maintaining social harmony and interpersonal relationships. So, they may prefer more indirect, polite, face-saving communication.
• Respect for hierarchy: In cultures with high power distance like India or Saudi Arabia, deferential language is used to communicate with seniors, superiors or elders. Contrarily, in low power distance cultures like Denmark or Australia, communication is more egalitarian.
• Individualism versus collectivism: In individualistic cultures like the USA or UK, communication may be forthright, open, and individual-oriented. In collectivist cultures like those of East Asia or Africa, communication tends to be indirect, restrained, and group-focused.
• Uncertainty avoidance: In cultures high on uncertainty avoidance like Germany or Greece, communication may be more formal, structured, and rule-oriented. In cultures low on uncertainty avoidance like Singapore or Jamaica, communication could be more flexible, spontaneous, and adaptable.

Thus, gaining insights into these cultural values and their influence on communication can help navigate intercultural interactions effectively and competently. Remember, understanding cultural values is not about stereotyping or expecting every individual from a culture to conform to these values. Instead, it's about being aware of potential cultural tendencies to build robust, respectful, and culturally sensitive communication.