Figuring Americans Out:

Cultural Adjustment & Intercultural

Communication

8/05

Center for Global EngagementDivision of Student Affairs

Today’s Goals:• Share your observations of U.S.

American culture and communication

• Explore Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory

• Understand how U.S. American culture compares to expectations and norms in your home country

• Discuss strategies for adjusting to U.S. American culture and communication

“U.S. Americans in a Fishbowl” Activity

1. What observations have you made so far about U.S. American culture?• How do U.S. Americans communicate with each

other? With international students?• What cultural differences have you observed?

2. What questions do you have about U.S. American culture and communication?

Reflect on your first few weeks in the United States, and briefly write down your thoughts on the following topics:

Geert Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory

“Culture is the collective programming of the mind distinguishing the members of one group or

category of people from others.”

Countries can be described relative to one another using these factors:

― Power distance― Individualism vs.

collectivism― Uncertainty

Avoidance― Long-term vs.

short-term orientation

Power DistancePower distance describes how a culture perceives equality and status.

In countries with a low power distance score:― People strive to

equalize power― It is relatively

easy to move between social classes, improve “status”, etc.

In countries with a high power distance score:― Society accepts a hierarchical

order― Everybody has a place, and

upward mobility may be difficult

LOW

HIGH

The United States has a LOW power distance score.

• Some things you might be noticing:– Communication may

seem uncomfortably informal or direct

– Gifts or other gestures of respect are less common

– There is a strong belief that social class is fluid

– Age or gender usually aren’t useful indicators of a person’s status or position

– U.S. Americans do not pick up on certain non-verbal cues

Individualism vs. CollectivismIndividualism or collectivism describe how societies take care of themselves.

In individualistic countries:― Individuals

are expected to take care of themselves or their immediate family only

― Individuals tend to be a part of several social circles

― Variation in strength of relationships

In collectivist countries:― Individuals are

expected to care for themselves, their family, and their country

― Family is given much more weight, particularly extended family

― Relationships are fewer but oftentimes deeper

INDIVIDUALISM

COLLECTIVISM

The United States is extremely individualistic.

• Some things you might be noticing:– Students in your classes may keep to themselves– U.S. Americans may belong to several different

groups, and relationships may feel “compartmentalized” or “surface level”

– You may hear phrases such as “pick yourself up by the bootstraps” or “put yourself first”

Uncertainty AvoidanceUncertainty avoidance describes how a

culture approaches the unknowns of the future or ambiguity.

In countries with high uncertainty avoidance:― Society as a

whole is uncomfortable with variation from the norm or new ideas

― Rigid codes of belief exist

― Freedom of expression may be limited

In countries with low uncertainty avoidance:― Society

encourages innovation and new ideas

― People overall are very comfortable with change or deviation from habit

― Less emphasis on rules or tradition

HIGH LOW

The United States is “uncertainty accepting.”

• Some things you might be noticing:– People may seem to have a

“just let it happen” attitude about certain things

– U.S. Americans may say something like, “Let’s hang out sometime” instead of specifying a time or place, which may seem confusing

– Freedom of expression is not only encouraged, but expected in some situations

– There is a cultural attitude that change or not knowing the outcome of a situation can be exciting

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation

Long-term or short-term orientation describes how a society approaches time.

In countries with a long-term orientation:― Saving and

investing are important

― Projects may go on for long periods of time, with a focus on the end result

In countries with a short-term orientation:― Achieving quick

results is important

― Typically, there is less concern for the future, and the focus is on what is happening right now

LONG-TERM

SHORT-TERM

The United States has a short-term orientation.

• Some things you might be noticing:– Deadlines are created often

and for a variety of tasks, and there is an expectation that you adhere to them

– People (like professors) may require regular updates on projects

– Efficiency is a strong cultural value, and it may appear that U.S. Americans do not “take time to smell the roses”

– The way that people spend and save money may be different than what you are used to

Other U.S. American Perspectives and Behaviors

Related to Time• Time is something that can be spent,

saved, wasted, or used wisely• “Time is money”• U.S. Americans may seem to look at

watches, cell phones, computers, etc.• Being on time is a sign of respect• There is a sequential approach to time• Work first, play later

Next International Student Workshop:

Friday, October 5th: 4:00-5:30, Room 2300

How to Succeed in the U.S. Classroom ― Part II

08/27/2011

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