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Global Training Class – Social Structure
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Home » Social Structure
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Social Structure refers to basic social organization. It consists of many aspects such as, the degree to which the social organization laid emphasis on the individual, as opposed to the group.
Individualism–
Some countries emphasizes on individual achievement. Western countries emphasize on individual performance, this in turn, leads to high level of creativity, high degree of managerial mobility, entrepreneurial activity, etc. On the other hand, encouraging individualism also make it difficult to work in teams. It may be difficult for them to co-operate which may serve as an obstruction in smooth flow of training.
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Group– In most of the countries, group is the primary unit of organizations. Like in Japan, the social status of an individual is determined as much as in by standing of the group. This may lead to better cooperation; on the other hand it suppresses entrepreneurial activity, individual creativity, etc. This in turn, may result, in loss of recognition of individual achievement at work after training.
Therefore, trainer has to keep in mind the factor of the individual and the group while giving training because encouraging a particular individual in Japan might be considered as impolite or vice-versa.
Assumptions – We all make assumptions every day. It may be positive or negative, good or bad. Assumptions influence our attitudes, perceptions. Most people see what they want to see and believe what they want to believe. It some times leads to coinciding and some time clashes. This tendency to make assumptions and forming attitudes regarding certain things can be a big problem in a cross-cultural training. Differences in assumptions can some times be very problematic. As an example, trainer may believe that if the trainees do not question, they understand the content. On the other hand, trainees may believe that if they will ask question, the trainer might think they are dull.
Presumptions can some times result in disrespect, distrust or resistance to change behavior after training. For instance, trainees might misinterpret trainer because of his different accent, appearance, style, or anything. Lack of interest of trainees de motivates trainer to transfer expertise and skills. This can lead to discomfort and misjudging the other’s motives and goals.
It is important to analyze the audience on the factors of customs, values, and language in case of cross-cultural training.
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