45 minutes (15 minutes in pairs; 30 minutes for large-group discussion and debriefing)
General L P, D, M
1. To identify some preferred values in the United States (or the country in which the training is occurring)
2. To explore the possible origins and basis for each value identified
• Cultural Contrast Statements Handout
• Value Contrasts Handout
1. Provide each participant with a copy of the “Cultural Contrast Statements” and the “Value Contrasts” handouts and ask him or her to find a partner. Ask each pair to (a) identify which statement in each set is most reflective of U.S. American culture (or any other national culture), (b) identify which value from the “Value Contrasts” handout its selected sentences might represent, and (c) speculate about what factors, historically, might have contributed to the formation of the identified value in U.S. American culture.
2. Bring the group back together and ask each pair to share one or more of its selected sentences, values, and ideas about the source of the value.
1. Which statements or values were easier or more difficult to choose between? Why?
2. How easy was it to speculate about the origins of values? Why?
3. Were there differences between the contrasting statements that generated strong feelings in you or in your partner?
4. What values of yours might have affected your decision making?
5. What did you learn from this activity?
6. How can you apply information from this experience to your personal and/or work life?
1. Understanding our own national cultural values can help us identify where our personal values agree with or differ from the national cultural norm.
2. Identifying the origin of cultural values can help us understand why we hold certain values.
Adapted from Studying Abroad/Learning Abroad by J. Daniel Hess.
1. a. Age is to be respected.
b. Young people understand the future.
2. a. It is important to discuss conflicts directly, the sooner the better.
b. It is best to deal with conflict in a way that does not cause discomfort or embarrassment.
3. a. There is so much to be learned from the past. Following tradition gives us stability and a sense of direction.
b. The world is moving at a faster and faster pace. Only those who can be flexible will be the leaders of tomorrow.
4. a. The true sign of an adult is the ability to stand up for oneself and be truly independent.
b. It is important for family members to stick together and support each other.
5. a. The true meaning of being human lies in one’s ability to develop spiritually. Without this, material wealth can be meaningless.
b. Money is a symbol of success. If one is intelligent and willing to work hard, he or she will be able to satisfy most material desires.
6. a. We are all created equal. To treat someone as less than equal is violating that person’s basic human rights.
b. For society to have structure and order, it is important for each person to understand his or her “place.”
7. a. It’s important to speak up. How else will anyone know one’s capabilities?
b. Someone who boasts invites criticism, thus disrupting the social harmony.
8. a. When there’s a question about something, it’s best to ask rather than “beating around the bush.”
b. It’s rude, insensitive, and just plain wrong to ask questions.
9. a. Calling someone “my friend” is presumptive and shows no respect for that person as an individual. How can such informality be trusted?
b. It’s important to get comfortable with each other before doing business. When the setting is too formal, the feeling is one of coldness and insincerity.
10. a. Show me the numbers. Get to the bottom line. Let’s get right to the point so that we are all clear!
b. Tell me the story. How did you come to this point? What are your feelings about the matter? What are other considerations?
Adapted from Studying Abroad/Learning Abroad by J. Daniel Hess.
Adapted from Studying Abroad/Learning Abroad by 3. Daniel Hess.