Cultural+Influences

Important Terms for this Chapter

 * Culture:** system of learned, shared, unifying, and interrelated beliefs, values, and assumptions
 * Subculture:** a subset or part of a larger culture
 * Cultural Baggage**: the idea that you carry your beliefs, values, and assumptions with you at all times
 * Nuclear Family:** group that consists of a parent or parents and unmarried children living together
 * Extended Family:** group that consists of the parents, children, grandchildren, and other relatives living together
 * Class System:** a means of dividing the members of a cultural group into various levels
 * Contexting:** refers to how direct or indirect communication is between people
 * Nonverbal Communication:** communication that does not involve the use of words
 * Body Language:** refers to the meaning conveyed by facial expressions, upper and lower body movements, and gestures
 * Individualism:** the belief in the individual and his or her ability to function relatively independently
 * Collectivism:** the belief that the group is more important than that individual
 * Ethnocentrism:** the belief that one's culture is better than other cultures
 * Culture Shock:** a normal reaction to all the differences of another culture

Important Concepts from this Chapter

 * 3.1 Culture Around the World**
 * Culture influences global business by shaping the personal and professional behaviors of businesspersons around the world
 * Subcultures are parts of larger cultures that may vary in some aspects from the larger cultures from which they developed.


 * 3.2 Culture and Social Organizations**
 * Most societies are at least partially organized around family units. There are both nuclear and extended families.
 * Societies are comprised of many institutions. Some of these institutions are schools, religious groups, and professional groups. Gender roles and the degree of mobility differ greatly between cultures.


 * 3.3 Communication Across Cultures**
 * Although many languages can be used for international business purposes, English is often considered the language of international business.
 * Knowing another language is important for global business success because it allows you to transact business much like a native speaker of that language does.
 * Direct communication attaches considerable value to words and interprets them literally; indirect communication attaches much less value to words and interprets them figuratively.
 * Nonverbal communication influences business activities through such nonword means as body language, appearance, eye contact, touching, personal space, color, numbers, emblems, and smells.


 * 3.4 Values Around the World**
 * Five major types of values that vary from culture to culture involve individualism versus collectivism; technology; leadership, power, and authority; religion; and time.
 * Two major reactions to cultural differences are culture shock and reverse culture shock.

Example of Culture Shock in International Business
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