The main idea behind Figuring Foreigners Out is that different cultures have different notions of identity and various ways of communicating. Cultures lean either toward individualist or collectivist. Non-verbal communication can either have no meaning, have the same meaning, or have different meanings in two different cultures. The concept of time is handled differently according to one’s culture. Some cultures regard time as monochronic, while others view time as polychronic. Finally, cultures can differ in the directness/indirectness of communication. High-context cultures rely on the context of situations and non-verbal communication while low-context/direct cultures need to be more explicit with what they are trying to convey. The Hofstede Dimensions of Culture is similar in that it attempts to define a country’s culture according to six dimensions: power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, and indulgence.
I predominantly agree with these assessments because from my personal experience, it is very accurate. For example, I can definitely see the United States as an individualistic country since we are encouraged to become independent achievers starting at a young age. South Korea, however, is definitely more collectivistic and people associate success with the well-being and accomplishment of the group as a whole. I noticed that Koreans feel a strong emotional bond with in-group members but are less connected to out-groups. It is important to point out, however, that there may be multiple cultures within a country. Therefore, it may not be accurate to make broad-sweeping generalizations.
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