History

Upon completion of this chapter, you will appreciate the role that values play in communicating effectively with persons from other cultures. understand differences in word meanings among cultures. learn how attribution and perception play a role in cultural values. appreciate attitude differences toward men and women in various cultures. understand how attitudes toward work and ethics vary with the culture. learn how religious influences impact cultural values. understand how individualism and collectivism play a role in cultural values.

VALUES

Values form the core of a culture. Values are social principles, goals, or standards accepted by persons in a culture. They establish what is proper and improper behavior as well as what is normal and abnormal behavior. Values are learned by contacts with family members, teachers, and religious leaders. What people hear, read, and watch on television influences their value systems. People in various cultures have different attitudes toward women, ethical standards, and work. Semantic differences and attributions affect cultural values as do religious influences. Because the U.S. workplace is becoming increasingly diverse culturally, managers need to be aware of the values of all workers. Managers are more likely to understand what motivates

ISBN 0-558-98852-0

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Intercultural Business Communication, Fifth Edition, by Lillian H. Chaney and Jeanette S. Martin. Published by Prentice Hall. Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.

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Chapter 3 • Contrasting Cultural Values

people of different cultures and to deal effectively with problem situations if they understand the cultural background of the person. Some values held by people in the United States are not shared by people in other cultures. In his book American Ways, Althen (2003) identifies a number of U.S. values and assumptions, including equality, informality, individualism, directness, and attitude toward the future, time, and work. People in...