Tag Archives: Culture

The Many Meanings of “Respect”

Lately, I’ve found myself reflecting (yet again) on the idea of respect. As a white female from the global North living outside of her home country, I ponder this word a lot. At first glance, it feels like such a strong and straightforward word. It is something most of us aspire to give and hope toContinue reading “The Many Meanings of “Respect””

Trust, Control, and Creativity: Can the SEMCO Style Work in Today’s Workplace?

What actually makes people happier and more creative at work? This question sat at the center of a Young SIETAR webinar I participated in exploring the SEMCO Style, a management philosophy popularized by Brazilian business leader Ricardo Semler. Rather than simply presenting the model, participants examined it through several influential intercultural frameworks developed by Fons Trompenaars, Geert Hofstede, and Richard D.Continue reading “Trust, Control, and Creativity: Can the SEMCO Style Work in Today’s Workplace?”

Communication Across Cultures

How we communicate across cultures says a lot, about ourselves and the company we keep (and come from).

Did you know that how you deal with conflict does the same?!

Read on to learn more.

What is culture? (part II)

Here are a few of the ‘standard’ models used to discuss what culture is with a brief explanation of each model. Most IC trainers have a favorite model or two that they prefer or will use often, but this is generally a way to only begin the discussion.

Groundhog Day

I know I am publishing this well past February 2nd, but still think it is culturally relevant, especially in 2022… During the pandemic, at least in the English-speaking western world “Groundhog Day” the popular 1993 film became a shorthand joke for how we’re all supposed to get out of this Corona wave loop. Do youContinue reading “Groundhog Day”

High Culture versus Low Culture

Both terms ‘high’ and ‘low’ culture are seen as derogatory, or disrespectful toward the other. Popular culture, which changes more rapidly and, within this context is seen as a ‘lesser’ aspect of culture as it relates to socioeconomic status. 

One person’s high culture is another’s low culture and vice versa. This is especially true as many aspects of modern popular culture have become ‘canon’ as it were – having great value, importance, or significance since they were first produced.

What is Culture? (part I)

Just how complex is culture compared to what we usually think it is.

That is, what we can see, hear, taste, and smell versus that which flows under the surface, but is really the engine driving each and every one of our interactions. 

You never know what pressures are affecting a person’s day; in addition to external factors, there could be internal cultural factors at play.

So, be kind to those you encounter.