Cross cultural management – Aboriginal Culture

Using Chuckhole and Stockbroker’s Values Orientation theory in conjunction with Hypotheses Value Dimensions framework allows for such comparison to be made. Particular reference will be made to the Time Orientation and the Individual Versus Communitarian aspects of these theories.

Chuckhole and Sidestroke’s Values Orientation Theory proposes that different cultures will have different preferences among them (Hills 2002). The theorists give reasoning using five classifications to determine the values of each culture.

They look at human nature, the relationships tenet human nature, time orientation, activity orientation and the relationships between people (Hills 2002). When using the Values Orientation theory to compare the Irish culture to the Aboriginal culture, both differences and similarities were discovered. Irish people live in harmony with nature and with each other. They are known for their love of the outdoors, with flashing and hunting activities being commonplace (Negligent 2011).

Similarly, the Aboriginal culture is at one with nature.

The Aboriginal people have a deep reverence for nature and live in harmony with the land and Its animals (Aboriginal Culture 2014). As a point of deference between the two cultures, time orientation is explored. An important value in the life of the Irish people is to make the best use of time. The Irish people are focused on the present moment and are concerned with what Is happening at this very moment, giving no thought to what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow. The Irish favor change and are responsive and adaptive to change (Negligent 2011).

The Aboriginal culture on the other hand. Have a strong link with their past. The dispossession and maltreatment of their past have left wounds in Aboriginal immunities and such actions are still being referred to today. By placing significant emphasis on past happenings, it has been embedded Into their current and future culture (Aboriginal Culture 2014). Hypotheses Value dimensions add strength to the Value Orientation Theory, and introduces the concept of Individualism Versus Communitarian’s (Hills 2002; Seven Dimensions of Culture 2013). Ireland is an individualistic culture.

The Irish seek individual achievement, wealth and success. In addition, they have a tendency to assume greater personal responsibility and work awards their goals without the need to depend on others (Negligent 2011 The relationship dynamic between parents and children is one of freedom and independence. Parents do not determine the futures of their children, but rather, let their children make their own decisions about what they want to achieve in life. In this way, Ireland is an individualistic culture, but with a collectivist attitude (Readily, Farrell ; Keep 2012).

Everyone is working to be the best person they can be, for the individual identity is inseparable to the community to which they belong (Stuntman 010). Where other ethnic minorities have fought to protect their individual rights, the Aboriginal people have continuously sought for their collective rights (Human Rights Commission 2012). This is a reflection of the Aboriginal social organization. The people live in family groups and in different tribes, bonded by tribal ceremonies and gatherings. The Aboriginal people have complex social and kinship systems, forming the basis of their social interaction (stuntman 2010).

The Kinship system that an Aboriginal person is part of will control their network of relationships and interactions with other tribal members. In the Aboriginal culture, marriage is a complex network of kin obligations and responsibilities. One must marry according to local rules and ideal preferences (Australian Law Reform Commission 2012). It is therefore evidenced that the individual harmonious, community values. In Addition, I have discovered that customs and traditions are dominant in both the Irish culture and the Aboriginal culture.

Traditions in both cultures are passed down from generation to generation through mythology. The Irish speak of he magical legend of the Leprechaun and the Aboriginal people tell Dermatome stories (Readily, Farrell ; Keep 2012). Ireland’s national holiday is SST. Patriot’s Day and is a celebration of the Patron Saint of Ireland. Families attend church wearing shamrocks, have a family roast and watch the SST Patriot’s day parades. The Aboriginal culture is also engaged in rich traditions. Ceremonies and rituals play an important role in the Aboriginal culture. Ceremonies take the form of song, dance and chanting (Aboriginal Culture 2014).

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Death ceremonies involve the people painting themselves white, cutting their bodies to show remorse and conducting a series of song and dance to ensure the spirit leaves the area and returns back to its birth place so as to be re-born (Stuntman 2010). Such customs and traditions bring about assumptions of people and their culture. Many people think of Irish people as “The drunken Irish”, but, Ireland has the highest proportion of non-drinkers per capita (Readily, Farrell & Keep 2012). The same can be said about the Aboriginal culture. Alcohol is the root of many stories and news reports about Aboriginal people (Stuntman 2010).

Another moon stereotype is that Aboriginal people are problems and have problems (Aboriginal Culture 2014). Stereotypes are incomplete and inaccurate beliefs. These stereotypes are dangerous and lead to prejudice. They are particularly dangerous in a workplace setting, with potential employees being employed, promoted and the likes, on the basis of the powered individual’s perception of the culture of that employee. Cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity in the workplace is therefore an important business tool and helps overcome stereotypes and preconceived ideas about particular cultures.