Dominant U.S. Cultural Patterns

Dominant U.S. Cultural Patterns Value Orientation Theory Chapter 8

Value Orientation Theory • VOT describes dominant cultural patterns characteristic of the majority of U.S. citizens. • “American Exceptionalism” • As with Hofstede’s VD, these patterns are generalizations and will not apply to every individuals in the culture.

“To talk about a dominant cultural pattern from the perspective that some patterns overlap, but they do differ, is to talk about the cultural patterns of the group that controls the society” (p. 200). Which groups control the society?

Focus on Theory 8.1 Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness research project. Jandt, pg. 201

Studying cultural values helps us understand behavior • Values are central beliefs that shape our goals and motivate our actions. • Attitudes reflect our values but are more easily changed. • Emic knowledge is gained from being “inside” a culture. • Etic knowledge is gained from being “outside” a culture.

Rokeach’s Instrumental and Terminal Values Instrumental Values Terminal Values Comfortable life An exciting life Sense of accomplishment Equality Family security Freedom Happiness Mature love National security Social recognition • Ambitious (hard work) • Broad-minded • Capable • Clean • Courageous • Helpful • Honest • Independent • Polite • Responsible

Origins of U. S. Cultural Patterns • The area of land now known as North America has a long heritage of diversity of people and cultures before the arrival of Europeans. • E.g. The Haudenossaunee, or Iroquois founded the Iroquois League/Confederacy prior to European settlement of the Northeastern region of the U.S.

People of the Longhouse

Five NationsSix Nations

“A country composed of separate little nations”Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) • The dominant U.S. culture has drawn its social values from the Europeans that colonized the land. • These influences are with us today: the scientific method, democracy, capitalism, separation of powers. • Regional cultures reflect the values of immigrants who settled in the areas. • Regional Differences: New England, The Midlands, the Middle West, the South, and the West.

Regions of the United States

U.S. Accent Regions • hhttp://www.businessinsider.com/22-maps-that-show-the-deepest-linguistic-conflicts-in-america-2013-6#tiny-lobsters-are-tearing-this-country-apart-12 • thttp://www.businessinsider.com/22-maps-that-show-the-deepest-linguistic-conflictthat-show-the-deepest-linguistic-conflicts-in-america-2013-6#tiny-lobsters-are-tearing-this-country-apart-12

Creation of a Dominant Culture • Critical events in U.S. history (see page 200). • Patterns may overlap but the culture that controls society is the dominant culture. • U.S. has different values from those of other countries, “American Exceptionalism.” • There are inter-relationships among elements in culture.

Value Orientation Theory • Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck claim that cultures develop unique positions relative to five value orientations: 1.What is a human being’s relation to nature? (man-nature orientation) 2. What is the modality of human activity? (activity orientation) 3. What is the temporal focus of human activity ( time orientation)

Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck cont’d 4.What is the character of innate human nature? (human-nature orientation) 5. What is the relationship of the individual to others? (relational) • We will review these values individually and see how we can apply these patterns and other categories to the dominant U.S. culture.

1. Human Being-Nature OrientationDominate – live with – are subjugated by nature • Worldview deals with a culture’s most fundamental beliefs about its place in the cosmos, beliefs about God, and beliefs about the nature of humanity and nature. • Samovar identified 3 parts to U.S. worldview: 1) the individual and nature relationship; 2) science and technology, and 3) materialism.

Human Being-Nature continued • Individual and Nature -We separate nature from human life – allows for dominion over nature. • Science and technology-- People in the U.S. have strong faith in science and our ability to solve problems using technology. • Materialism - our belief that possessions are important in life. Drives our economic system - capitalism.

2. What is the Modality of Human Activity? Activity OrientationBeing – being in becoming – doing(passively accepting) - (transforming) – (initiating action) • Time used for self-expression, play, self-improvement & development, and work. • Efficiency and Practicality? We want practical solutions that use the least amount of effort/time. Short term emphasis. • Progress and Change – Faith in the Future. Change is basically good - we adapt to new goods, and social beliefs.

3.What is the temporal focus of human life? TIME Past Present Future • How do we characterize time? What are the repercussions of this view? • Do you live the future in the present?

4.What is the Character of Innate Human Nature?Human nature orientationprimarily evil – primarily good - mixture This pattern answers questions such as: • “What is human nature?” • “What are human rights and responsibilities?” • “What does it mean to be human?”

Innate Human Nature Good vs. Evil or Mix Rationality/Mutability

5. Relational Orientation: Interpersonal Relationshipslinear hierarchy – group id - individualism • Individualism & Independence. This is often used as the main way we identify who we are. • Self-motivation - In the U.S. individualism is evidenced through accomplishment and a “need for achievement” (p. 215). -We are expected to set goals and pursue them independently. -We have the power to control our own destiny. -Individual responsibility for decision making.

Relationship of the Individual to Others (continued) -Social Class based on power, money & influential social circles. -Competition

Relational cont. Social Organization Equality and Freedom: • According to our text, this is an important cultural myth in the U.S. See Table 8.6 on page 217 Conformity • People in the US conform to modern norms. • People believe in national institutions– schools, military, judiciary and are patriotic.

Forces stimulating development of regional cultures • Changes in the landscape brought about by economic and cultural shifts. • Integration • Immigration • National Media • International air transportation • End of the Cold War

The New Regions • Can you identify different regions within the U.S.? • Atlanta, 2) Charlotte, 3) Miami, 4)Houston, 5) Los Angeles, 6) San Francisco’s Bay Area, 7) Seattle. What makes these regions distinct from one another? Are there others you can add?

Dominant U.S. Cultural Patterns