Differences - Cultural Norms _ Values

							                               Tool Box of Ideas for Smaller Centres:
                    Attracting, Welcoming & Retaining Immigrants to Your Community

                                                             Resource Handout #3




                        Differences - Cultural Norms & Values
Adapted from The Managing Diversity Survival Guide, Gardenswartz and Rowe (IRWIN, 1994)

   Dimensions of Culture                                Western Culture                        Non-Western Cultures
 1.     Sense of self & space                                   Informal                                  Formal
                                                               Handshake                          Hugs, bows, handshakes

 2.        Communication &                          Explicit, direct communication            Implicit, indirect communication
              language                                 Emphasis on content—                       Emphasis on context—
                                                      meaning found in words                   meaning found around words

 3.      Dress & appearance                           "Dress for success" ideal                    Dress seen as a sign of
                                                    Wide range in accepted dress                  position, wealth, prestige
                                                                                                        Religious rules

 4.      Food & eating habits                         Eating as a necessity—fast                Dining as a social experience
                                                                 food                                  Religious rules

 5.            Time & time                               Linear and exact time                    Elastic and relative time
              consciousness                                  consciousness                             consciousness
                                                        Value on promptness—                    Time spent on enjoyment of
                                                             time = money                               relationships

 6.           Relationships,                           Focus on nuclear family                   Focus on extended family
              family, friends                           Responsibility for self               Loyalty & responsibility to family
                                                     Value on youth, age seen as               Age given status and respect
                                                              handicap

 7.          Values & norms                             Individual orientation                       Group orientation
                                                            Independence                                Conformity
                                                        Preference for direct                     Preference for harmony
                                                       confrontation of conflict

 8.        Beliefs & attitudes                                Egalitarian                                Hierarchical
                                                       Challenging of authority               Respect for authority and social
                                                       Individuals control their                             order
                                                               destiny                         Individuals accept their destiny
                                                            Gender equity                     Different roles for men & women

 9.       Mental processes &                          Linear, logical, sequential              Lateral, holistic, simultaneous
            learning style                              Problem-solving focus                   Accepting of life's difficulties

10.           Work habits &                              Emphasis on task                       Emphasis on relationships
               practices                             Reward based on individual           Rewards based on seniority, relationships
                                                           achievement                          Work is a necessity of life
                                                      Work has intrinsic value