Author Question: What are the two main theories related to cross-cultural differences? What will be an ideal ... (Read 38 times)

ts19998 · **on:** Jun 21, 2018

What are the two main theories related to cross-cultural differences?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

You call your boss Mr. Baker. Given what you know about power distance, what does this say about your culture?

What will be an ideal response?

C.mcnichol98 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 21, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: Some have theorized that cross-cultural differences arise from geography: terrain, climate, and other environmental characteristics. For example, UCLA geography professor Jared Diamond (1999) argued that the existence of large land mammals (such as cattle) in Europe set Europeans on a path toward agriculture as opposed to hunting and gathering, which led to advances in writing and mathematics. Similarly, Asian cultures may value hard work and collective action more because land in Asia is often used to grow rice, and cultivating rice paddies is labor intensive. Another theory of cultural differences focuses on disease-causing pathogens, finding that regions more vulnerable to the spread of infectious disease are more likely to emphasize conformity to rules such as quarantines and mandatory vaccinations.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: If you call your boss by his first name, you are likely in a low power-distance culture; if you call him Mr. and his last name, you are probably in a high power-distance culture.