Culture and Society
Culture is what drives the daily lives of individuals and states how they behave in certain situations in life. Culture is what binds a community due to the similarities in how things are carried out. People can express themselves in specific ways because of how their culture molded them (Ogbu, 2017). In the context of workplaces, individuals hail from different cultural backgrounds, which creates diversity in society. Managers in organizations, therefore, have the task of formulating a uniform organizational culture that incorporates the various types of cultural inclinations present in their employees.
While in the working environment, it is a common occurrence to find an individual whose cultural values get in the way of their working progress. This prevents workflow and often creates conflicts between people. In an international organization, departments may comprise of people from different countries or continents. Balinese and Tingunian cultures for example treat the act of kissing as a normal social act of affection whereas people from African cultures view it as an obscene act that should not be done in the public (Ontario, 2019). This means that an individual of African descent will feel offended individuals in their department would kiss them or if they engage in the act of kissing with one another at the workplace.
Moreover, academic institutions are no exception to cultural disputes. In my experience as a student in an International relations class, I witnessed how people disagree as a result of their societal beliefs and practices (Ontario, 2019). In cases of asking questions, there were those that felt asking questions was a way of disrupting the learning process and therefore kept their uncertainties to their selves. Others regarded female colleagues as inferior and less knowledgeable and thus shunned from discussing complex academic matters with them (Ogbu, 2017). This created a rift in the class that often resulted in endless arguments. Finishing group projects was an issue since everyone wanted things to be done in their own way which was impossible. Nonetheless, through effective communication we were able to learn how different out cultures were. Understanding one another helped in laying down rules on how to interact with one another without causing disrespect.
Cultural differences exist because of the different cultures inculcate their values in individuals. They shape how we address to issues that affect us in everyday life. Despite these differences, culture should be respected and acknowledged as essential part of individuals (Ontario, 2019). Organizations and institutions must therefore create and promote a culture that accommodates everyone and advocates for responsibility and respect. Organizational culture therefore helps the organization to thrive and also provide a conducive environment where individuals can express themselves without infringing other people’s rights and freedom.
References
Ogbu, J. (2017). Understanding cultural differences and school learning. Education libraries, 7-13.
Ontario. (2019, October). The importance of culture. Retrieved from Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/document/environmental-scan-culture-sector-ontario-culture-strategy-background-document/importance-culture