Glossary

Culture

There are several different definitions for culture based upon different academics. In Fine Arts and Humanities, it is defined as those products created which are held in the highest esteem by a culture. The social sciences define it as an integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for symbolic thought and social learning. Anthropologists describe it as a set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution, organization or group.

Cultural Dimension

A description and definition of a culture's values. Dr. Geert Hofstede, a renowned psychologist in the anthropology field, created a model of cultural dimensions after a decade of research and thousands of interviews with IBM employees in the 1970s.  This model has become an internationally recognized standard.  The original model was comprised of four dimensions.  The fifth dimension (Orientation) was added after additional research.

Cultural Identity

The identity of a group or culture, or of an individual as far as one is influenced by one's belonging to a group or culture.

Cultural Intelligence/ Intercultural Competence

The ability to respond appropriately in diverse cultures. Cultural intelligence (CQ) is comprised of three different aspects: Cognitive, Behavioral, and Emotional/Motivational.

Cultural Values

Commonly held standards of what is acceptable or unacceptable, important or unimportant, right or wrong, workable or unworkable, etc., in a community or society.

React

To act out emotionally under the influence of a stimulus or prompting.

Respond

To act with a rational and well thought out decision.