Understanding
Western Culture
What is Culture?
Traditions
Ethical
Values
Religion
Society
Science &
Technology
Politics
Age
Philosophy
Art &
Literature
Education
Social Class
Organization
Western culture ≠ Western Film / TV
(but does influence it)
Originates from Ancient Greece (Europe)
Spread by Roman Empire (1st Century BC)
Influenced by Christianity (4/5th Century)
Stagnated during Dark Ages (5/6th Century)
Oops!
Rebirth: Renaissance (14 – 17th Century)
New ideas: Scientific Revolution (17th Century)
Logic & Reason: Age of Enlightenment (18th Century)
Independence: American Revolution (Late 18th Century)
Industrial Revolution (19th Century)
Photo by Steve Rhodes
Modern Civilization (Today)
Core Ideas
& Values
Recognizes the right of
private ownership, capital
accumulation, exchange
and profit
Individuals should be able
to act on their own reason
without interference from
others – i.e. freedom
Reality- or fact-based thought and
perception (Aristotle 384-322 BC)
Reason
Emphasis on the
individual person who
is independent and
self-reliant
Worldly happiness
should be the focus of
each person's life
We live in a multicultural world where cultures:
Transcend geography and race (no connection)
Exist worldwide in some form (usually mixed)
East vs. West
What’s the difference?
Illustrations by Yang Liu from
“East meets West” book –
www.yangliudesign.com
Way to think
思维方式
Way of life
生活方式
Punctuality
准时
Connections
人际关系
Anger
对待愤怒
Queuing
排队
In the restaurant
在餐厅
Standard of beauty
美丽的标准
Way to solve
problems
处理问题
Senior’s daily life
老人的日常生活
Shower time
洗浴时间
Boss
领导
The child
孩子
New things
对待新事物
Image of each other
想像中的对方
Cultural
Differences*
West (US / Europe)
Logic Linear (direct associations)
Communication Direct, verbal
Identity Individual, independent
Agreement / Disagreement Argumentative, verbal
Punctuality Start and end on time
Respect Success, achievement
Business Relationship Economics come first
Decision Making Distributed, proactive
Time Horizon Short term (per quarter)
Risk / Spending Risk-takers, spend
East (China / East Asia)
Spiral (roundabout)
Indirect, implied
Group orientated
Hard to say no, non-verbal
Appointments flexible
Seniority, wisdom
Relationship comes first
Manager has final say
Long term (years ahead)
Risk-avoiders, save
* but of course there are obvious exceptions
Intercultural
Competence
Regional
Experience
Language
Proficiency
Openness
&
Tolerance
Communicate
Effectively
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Speak slowly, maintain eye contact
Use objective, accurate language
Rephrase sentences where necessary
Listen carefully and patiently
Adapt your conversation style
Don’t talk down to others
Clarify what will happen next
Uncomfortable
Situations
Deal With It
1. Know your neighbor
2. Be open and tolerant
3. Ask lots of questions
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do” 入乡随俗
Thank you
www.randomwire.com