Cross-Cultural Management in Everyday Life
Introduction
The above article is about a western suburb of Sydney, called Greenacre. The article, aptly named “What happened to the suburb I used to know” is a reflection and analysis of the past and current status of the suburb and how, over time it has changed from what was described as a “home” to “a minefield, or a battlefield, or a refuge of drug dealers, criminals, drive-by shooters and terror” (Roberts, 2013). This report will discuss and explore a number of theoretical principles and topics of cross-cultural management in the everyday life of Australian’s living in this suburb, through such theories and topics as Oberg’s six-month cycle of culture shock, Cultural dimensions- Ethnocentrism/stereotyping/parochialism, Hofstede’s value dimensions theory, as well as Harris’s and Moran’s cultural profiles.
Oberg’s six-month cycle of culture shock
Oberg’s theory identifies 4 major stages of cultural shock and explains the “typical” transition process for a foreigner adjusting to a new county/culture. Below is a list of the stages and a brief description for each-
1. Honeymoon- minor problems will be over looked, with the excitement and anticipation of learning new things. This phase can last from a few days, up to a month. 2. Crisis/hostility- the new environment begins to seem less idealistic and can therefore lead to focusing upon the negative aspects of the host country. This period is characterised by frustration, and confusion and typically lasts up to two/three months. 3. Adjustment/humour- a respect, understanding and a further adjustment to the local culture occurs, and with this a change in attitude toward the new environment- occurs around the four/five month mark. 4. Mastery/honour- acceptance of the new culture, a sense of eagerness to help other integrate and even absorbs the habits of the new society which in turn makes him feel secure and develops a sense of dual cultural identity (biculturalism)- occurs in the 6-12 month
The above article is about a western suburb of Sydney, called Greenacre. The article, aptly named “What happened to the suburb I used to know” is a reflection and analysis of the past and current status of the suburb and how, over time it has changed from what was described as a “home” to “a minefield, or a battlefield, or a refuge of drug dealers, criminals, drive-by shooters and terror” (Roberts, 2013). This report will discuss and explore a number of theoretical principles and topics of cross-cultural management in the everyday life of Australian’s living in this suburb, through such theories and topics as Oberg’s six-month cycle of culture shock, Cultural dimensions- Ethnocentrism/stereotyping/parochialism, Hofstede’s value dimensions theory, as well as Harris’s and Moran’s cultural profiles.
Oberg’s six-month cycle of culture shock
Oberg’s theory identifies 4 major stages of cultural shock and explains the “typical” transition process for a foreigner adjusting to a new county/culture. Below is a list of the stages and a brief description for each-
1. Honeymoon- minor problems will be over looked, with the excitement and anticipation of learning new things. This phase can last from a few days, up to a month. 2. Crisis/hostility- the new environment begins to seem less idealistic and can therefore lead to focusing upon the negative aspects of the host country. This period is characterised by frustration, and confusion and typically lasts up to two/three months. 3. Adjustment/humour- a respect, understanding and a further adjustment to the local culture occurs, and with this a change in attitude toward the new environment- occurs around the four/five month mark. 4. Mastery/honour- acceptance of the new culture, a sense of eagerness to help other integrate and even absorbs the habits of the new society which in turn makes him feel secure and develops a sense of dual cultural identity (biculturalism)- occurs in the 6-12 month
Bibliography: Books Elizabeth Christopher & Helen Deresky, 2nd edition, 2012: International Management: (Pearson Education Australia) Christopher, E. (2012) Chapter 2: Managing interdependence: social responsibility and ethics. BBA 340 Christopher, E World Wide Web http://www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au/index.aspx?nid=165 (accessed 24/3/2013) http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2011/quickstat/SSC11019?opendocument&navpos=220 (accessed 25/3/2013) http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/gunned-down-in-a-greenacre-street-20130316-2g7fl.html (accessed 24/3/2013) http://www.smh.com.au/comment/what-happened-to-the-suburb-i-used-to-know-20130318-2gb36.html#ixzz2OXhTyr1Z (accessed 19/3/2013)