Understanding
Intercultural
Communication Third Edition
Chapter 3
What are the Essential Cultural
Value Patterns?
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
PowerPoint Slides Designed by Alex Flecky and Noorie
Baig
I. Functions of Cultural
Values
A. Analyzing Cultural Values
B. Identity Meaning Function
C. Explanatory Function
D. Motivational Function
E. Ingroup–Outgroup Evaluative
Function
II. Analyzing Cultural Value
Dimensions
Go to p. 54: Complete “Quikchoice 3.1”
IDENTITY: Individualism Collectivism
Small Power Large Power
POWER:
Distance Distance
Weak Strong
Uncertainty Uncertainty
UNCERTAINTY Avoidance Avoidance
:
Feminine Masculine
SEX ROLES:
II. Analyzing Cultural Value
Dimensions:
Individualism–Collectivism Value
Pattern (Quikchoice 3.2 on p.
Individualistic
55)/Table 3.1 Cultures Collectivistic
Cultures
“I” Identity
Nuclear family “We” Identity
Privacy regulation Extended family
Individual competition Relational harmony
Personal competence Teamwork
Direct comm. patterns Ingroup emphasis
Independent self
Indirect comm.
patterns
Interdependent self
II. Analyzing Cultural Value Dimensions:
Small–Large Power Distance Value Pattern on
p. 58 (Table 3.2)
Small Power Large Power
Distance Distance
Emphasize interpersonal Emphasize status
equality
based difference
Children may contradict Children should obey
parents
parents
Younger people are smart
Older people are wise
Teachers ask for feedback
Subordinates expect Teachers lecture
consultation Subordinates expect
Informal comm. patterns guidance
Horizontal self Formal comm. patterns
II. Analyzing Cultural Value Dimensions:
Weak-Strong Uncertainty Avoidance Value
Pattern (p. 59,Table 3.3)
Weak Uncertainty Strong Uncertainty
Avoidance Avoidance
Uncertainty is valued Uncertainty is a threat
Family is dynamic and Reinforce family rules
changing
Low mobility in
High mobility in relationships relationships
Challenges are welcome Routines are welcome
Encourage risk-taking Encourage clear procedure
Conflict can be positive Conflict is negative
High tolerance for ambiguity Low tolerance for
ambiguity
II. Analyzing Cultural Value Dimensions:
Feminine-Masculine Value Pattern (p. 61,Table
3.4)
Feminine Cultures Masculine Cultures
Flexible sex roles Complementary sex roles
Emphasize nurturance Emphasize achievement
Both genders take initiative Males take initiative
Social adjustment is critical Academic performance is
critical
Work in order to live
Live in order to work
Fluid gender
communication
“Masculine” toughness
vs. “feminine” softness
Overlapped gender roles Clear masculine/feminine
gender roles
II. Analyzing Cultural Value
Dimensions:
Self-Assessment Discussion
Complete the Four-Dimensional Values
Inventory (DVI). With a partner, discuss
the following questions:
1. Compare your responses. Similar or
different?
2. How are your personal value patterns
different from or consistent with the larger
culture?
3. Which value dimension has the most
influence on your everyday communication
behavior?
4. If you worked in another culture, what value
differences might you expect? How would
IV. Individual Socialization
Development
Complete Quikchoice 3.3, p. 63
and 3.4, p. 64.
A. Independent versus
Interdependent Self-
Construal
B. Horizontal versus Vertical
Self- Construal
III. Personal Value Orientation
Patterns
Quikchoice 3.5, p. 68.
V. Intercultural Reality Check: Do-
Ables
Flexible intercultural
communicators:
Practice the O-D-I-S Method:
O= Observe verbal and nonverbal
signals attentively.
D= Describe specific behaviors with
a minimum of distortion.
Generate multiple
I= interpretations of the unfamiliar
behaviors.
S= Suspend ethnocentric
evaluation, perform open-ended
Parting Thoughts…
Only if we understand can we care.
Only if we care will we help.
Only if we help shall they be saved. ~