How to cope with cultural dilemmas in an increasingly globalized world?
Is the concept of culture useful when we talk about human differences? My claim is that the usefulness of the concept, it’s usability lies within and depends on the culture, and it also depends on, what the information about the culture is used for. In a very individualistic culture with a low belief in authorities (a low score in the Power Distance Index, G. Hofstede), it doesn't make much sense to talk about culture as a link between people. This is very evident for Danes. But in a culture with a strong belief in authorities (a high score in the Power Distance Index) as in Indonesia, the culture gives meaning to every action that takes place. Nothing takes place outside the cultural stipulations without someone noticing. The reaction doesn't have to be punishment, but it will always be brought to attention. For stronger violations, as infidelity, there are most certainly ways or parameters to act within.
Geert Hofstede has shown us, that it is in fact possible to determine which behaviour one can expect, when living and working in another culture. There is in almost every case of cultural meetings a built-in paradox: The culture is meant to sustain and maybe even develop a society, but all values of one culture seldom matches the values of another culture. As Hofstede describes it: " Culture is more often a source of conflict than of synergy. Cultural differences are a nuisance at best and often a disaster." Harmonizing cultures is either hard work or impossible. Whether it is a single individual or a whole nation wanting or having to harmonize, the cultural dilemma is the question of who has to compromize the most.
