Video Notes – “ Understanding and Respecting Diversity ✓ Solved

Short Essay Question #1 – Are you more individualistic or collectivist in terms of how you view yourself and your responsibility to others? Type your answer here: Your answer should be a minimum of 4 full sentences. You must give at least two examples to support your answer.

Short Essay Question #2 – Are you more monochronic or polychronic in terms of how you understand and manage time? Type your answer here: Your answer should be a minimum of 4 full sentences. You must give at least two examples to support your answer.

Short Essay Question #3 – Are you more direct or indirect in terms of how you communicate with others? Are you sensitive to the concept of face-giving and face-saving when communicating with someone who is older or of higher status? Type your answer here: Your answer should be a minimum of 4 full sentences. You must give at least two examples to support your answer.

Short Essay Question #4 – Do you relate more to the Internal Locus of Control or External Locus of Control (who is in control of your life?) Type your answer here: Your answer should be a minimum of 4 full sentences. You must give at least two examples to support your answer.

Short Essay Question #5 – Are you more comfortable with a High Power Distance or Low Power Distance orientation when interacting with other people? Type your answer here: Your answer should be a minimum of 4 full sentences. You must give at least two examples to support your answer.

Paper For Above Instructions

Understanding one’s own cultural perspective is essential in the increasingly interconnected and multicultural world we live in today. By reflecting on whether one aligns more closely with individualism or collectivism, one can better engage with diverse communities. Personally, I find myself leaning more towards individualism, where the emphasis is placed on self-reliance and personal achievements. For instance, in my academic pursuits, I strive for personal excellence, often seeking to excel as an individual rather than relying entirely on group efforts. Another example of my individualistic traits can be seen in my decision-making process; I prefer to analyze situations based on my own judgments rather than conforming to group opinions. This approach has often led me to innovative solutions that may not have been reached collectively.

In terms of time management, my perspective falls more on the monochronic side. I believe that deadlines are important and often view my day through a scheduled lens in which tasks are prioritized for timely completion. Two relevant examples of my monochronic approach include adhering strictly to appointment times and structuring my day into specific intervals dedicated to tasks. I often find that deviations from a set schedule can lead to stress and inefficiency, supporting my belief that time should be strictly managed.

Communication style is another important aspect of cultural understanding. I tend to be more direct in my communication with others. For example, in professional settings, I value clarity and transparency, often stating my thoughts perfectly to avoid misunderstandings. However, I am aware of the necessity to adjust my directness when engaging with individuals from cultures that place a high value on face-saving. An instance of this adjustment occurred during a group project; I encountered a colleague from a collectivist background who preferred nuanced communication, prompting me to soften my approach while still ensuring the message was effectively conveyed.

When considering my locus of control, I relate primarily to an internal locus. I believe that my actions and decisions significantly impact my outcomes, allowing me to take responsibility for my progress and setbacks. For instance, when faced with academic challenges, I view these as opportunities to grow through my own efforts rather than attributing success or failure to external circumstances. Recently, I encountered a personal setback; I chose to analyze my actions critically and implement changes rather than blaming external factors for my challenges, reinforcing my internal perspective.

Lastly, in interactions with others, I feel more comfortable with a low power distance orientation. I appreciate collaborative environments where power dynamics are balanced, allowing for open dialogue and mutual respect. For example, in team situations, I actively encourage input from all members to ensure diverse perspectives are valued. One specific instance occurred during a team project where the manager invited everyone to express their opinions, leading to richer discussions and innovative solutions. Such experiences underline my preference for egalitarian communication over hierarchical arrangements.

References

• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
• Triandis, H. C. (1995). Individualism & Collectivism. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
• Edward T. Hall. (1983). Cultural, Communication, and Culture: A Model of Transmission. New York: Anchor Books.
• Gudykunst, W. B. (2003). Cross-Cultural and Intercultural Communication. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
• Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. New York: Anchor Books.
• Hofstede, G. (1993). Cultural Dimensions in Management and Planning. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 1(2), 81-99.
• Graham, J. L., & Husted, B. W. (2010). Cultural Dimensions of International Business. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
• Trompenaars, F., & Hampden-Turner, C. (1998). Riding the Waves of Culture: Understanding Diversity in Global Business. London: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
• Jandt, F. E. (2017). An Introduction to Intercultural Communication: Identities in a Global Community. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
• Varner, I., & Beamer, L. (2011). Intercultural Communication in the Global Workplace. New York: McGraw-Hill.