Cross Cultural Understanding Video:  Main Points

Introduction

• Cultural awareness is essential for everyone is the global market.
• The most important traits are internal and change very slowly.
• Try to accept other cultures, and make an effort to understand them.
• Use guidelines cautiously, treating everyone person as an individual.
Values
• Values change slowly and are often based on religion, so be familiar with the basic principles.
• Some cultures place strong emphasis on accomplishment, while others focus on quality of life and family.
• Certain societies tend more toward competition and productivity, while others favor cooperation and harmony.
• Doing-oriented cultures emphasize accomplishment; being focused societies prize family background and status.
Beliefs and Viewpoint
• Some people believe they control events, other believe events control them.
• Societies differ in their attitude toward rules and laws – some rigid, other flexible.
• There are different cognitive styles, including whether the focus is on the whole or the parts.
Social Structure
• Cultures vary in group or individual orientation.
• Some regions are egalitarian while others are authoritarian.
• Building personal relationships is vital in many societies.
• Be aware of the differing roles of women in diverse cultures.
Time
• Cultures vary in their emphasis on short term or long term.
• Pacing differs among societies – some swift, some slow.
• People have different perceptions about the appropriate use of time.
• Deadline have varying levels of importance.
Communication
• Respect other cultures and their languages.  Ask first before speaking English.
• Communication patterns vary in whether they are direct or indirect.
• Be aware that cultures differ in the focus on content and context.
Etiquette
• People differ widely in whether they are more formal or informal.
• Give proper respect to greetings, which is some societies is an important ritual.
• Always err on the side of using family names and proper titles.
• Note taboos and avoid hand gestures.