Indian Culture Hierarchy in Indian society Respect for elders/ people in position Indians seemingly...
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Transcript of Indian Culture Hierarchy in Indian society Respect for elders/ people in position Indians seemingly...
Indian Culture
•Hierarchy in Indian society
•Respect for elders/ people in position
•Indians seemingly reserved by nature
Illustrations
• Initial impressions
• Non responsive
• Reluctant to ask questions
• Not sure if the staff have understood
• Like speaking to a wall
• Staff stand when trainer enters the room - every time
Introduction – A brief overview of India & its culture
• Diversity & continuity
• Ancient & adaptive
• Population & languages
Hierarchy in Society• Ancient Indian social system
Varna Vyavastha (caste system)Brahmins – the priestly classKshatriyas – the warrior classVaishya – the business classShudras – the lowest class
• Ranking of castes• The economic factor (wealth & power)• Hierarchy in day to day life
Structure & hierarchy in a business setting
• Respect for senior colleagues
• Decision making rests with seniors
• Relationship – boss & employee
• Face & self esteem
Respect for elders
• Special respect
• 5 forms of traditional welcome• Prathuthana – rising to welcome a person• Namaskaara – paying homage with palms together• Upasangrahan – touching the feet of elders or
teachers• Shaastaanga – prostrating fully with feet, knees,
stomach, forehead & arms touching the ground• Pratyabivaadana – returning a greeting
Namaste
• Suited for all occasions
• Namah + te = Namaste• I bow to you/ my greetings/ may our minds meet
• Bowed head – extending friendship in love & humility
• Varies in different parts of the country/ religion
Shared cultural characteristics in India
• Respect for elders & people in position
• Preference for conformity• Friendliness• Strong sense of community• Acceptance of hierarchy• Interpersonal relationships
• Self restraint
• Emotional dependence
Trainers can …
• Conduct a little test to ascertain the level of understanding
• Exhibit a genuine interest in the people