How Culture Is Transmitted: Personal And Corporate Perspecti

How Culture Is Transmitted: Personal and Corporate Perspectives

Your goal this module is to identify how culture is transmitted. For this, you will first investigate your family history to see how culture is transmitted at the micro-level. Next, you will apply your findings to strategies you can use to transmit your company's culture to a new employee from abroad. The entire paper should be 4 pages. Start by interviewing your family members, especially older relatives.

Find out what aspects of culture (important celebrations, music, food, languages spoken, etc.) were passed on from the older generations to you. Where do these aspects of culture originate? Is what you learned similar or different from the original culture? Then, using what you have learned by investigating your own family, suggest ways in which you can transmit your corporation's culture effectively to a new employee from the United Arab Emirates. Back up your suggestions with evidence from at least two sources.

The discussion of your family history should be about two pages, and the discussion of how you can transmit your company's culture to the new employee should be an additional two pages. The complete paper should be four pages and should use correct APA formatting.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Understanding the mechanisms of cultural transmission is fundamental in both personal and organizational contexts. At the micro-level, family interactions serve as primary conduits for passing cultural values, norms, and traditions from one generation to the next. At the macro-level, organizations must adopt strategic practices to effectively transmit their corporate culture, especially when onboarding employees from diverse backgrounds. This paper explores how culture is transmitted through family history and applies these insights to strategies for transmitting a corporate culture to a new employee from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Family History and Cultural Transmission

The process of cultural transmission within families often begins with the interactions and teachings of older relatives. Conducting interviews with my grandparents revealed that core aspects of our family culture include celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, traditional music, cuisine, and the use of the native language alongside other languages learned over generations. These elements serve as tangible connections to our heritage, fostering a sense of identity and continuity.

The origins of these cultural aspects trace back to the Middle Eastern roots of my family, primarily from countries such as Egypt and Lebanon. Eid celebrations are deeply rooted in Islamic traditions, and the music and food reflect regional influences. Interestingly, some elements have evolved over time, influenced by migration and modernization, which has led to a blending of traditional and contemporary practices. For example, while traditional dishes like baklava and kebabs remain central to celebrations, contemporary music includes international influences, mirroring global integration.

This family-based transmission underscores that culture is continuously shaped by historical roots and external influences, leading to both preservation and evolution. It highlights that cultural values—such as hospitality and respect—are reinforced through shared rituals and narratives, which are crucial in maintaining cultural identity across generations (Ogbu, 1991). Moreover, language plays a significant role; my bilingual abilities exemplify how linguistic practices are transmitted through everyday interactions and storytelling, serving as a vessel for cultural knowledge.

Comparing these findings to the original culture, my family's practices largely align with traditional Middle Eastern customs, though adaptations have occurred. Such modifications illustrate that cultural transmission is dynamic, accommodating new contexts while retaining core values. This understanding is vital for organizations aiming to preserve their culture amidst globalization and cultural diversity.

Strategies for Transmitting Corporate Culture to an Employee from the UAE

Applying insights from family-based cultural transmission to a corporate setting involves deliberate strategies that foster understanding and integration. When onboarding a new employee from the UAE, it is essential to recognize the significance of cultural identity, including shared values, communication styles, and social norms rooted in Emirati culture.

One effective approach is the development of a structured cultural orientation program that includes storytelling about the company's history, values, and practices. Like familial narratives, these stories help new employees contextualize their roles within the broader organizational culture and foster a sense of belonging (Schein, 2010). Incorporating elements of Emirati culture, such as respect for hierarchy and the importance of community, can facilitate smoother integration.

Another strategy involves participative cultural exchange activities. These could include celebrating key UAE festivals such as National Day or Ramadan at the workplace, which demonstrates respect and appreciation for the employee's cultural background. Such celebrations act as modern rituals mirroring family traditions, creating shared experiences that reinforce organizational values (Hofstede, 2001). Additionally, providing mentorship programs with culturally aware colleagues can serve as ongoing channels for transmitting cultural knowledge.

Furthermore, using language and communication practices aligned with Emirati norms can enhance integration. Recognizing the importance of indirect communication and politeness in Middle Eastern cultures can prevent misunderstandings and promote trust. Training programs that educate existing staff about these cultural nuances can foster a respectful and inclusive environment.

Evidence suggests that organizations successful in transmitting their culture to international employees invest in cultural competence training and adaptation strategies. For example, a study by Hofstede and Minkov (2010) emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural dimensions to facilitate intercultural communication. Similarly, research by Schein (2010) advocates for embedding cultural narratives and rituals into onboarding processes to reinforce corporate culture effectively.

In conclusion, structuring the transmission of organizational culture by borrowing from familial and cultural traditions—such as storytelling, shared rituals, and culturally sensitive communication—can greatly enhance integration success for employees from diverse backgrounds. By acknowledging the deep-rooted importance of culture in shaping identity, organizations can build inclusive environments that respect and celebrate diversity while maintaining their core values.

Conclusion

The transmission of culture, whether within families or organizations, relies on shared practices, narratives, and rituals that reinforce values and identity across generations and cultural boundaries. Family history reveals that traditions are adapted yet rooted in historical origins, illustrating culture’s dynamic nature. In organizational contexts, employing similar strategies—such as storytelling, celebrations, and culturally aware communication—can facilitate effective transmission of corporate culture to international employees. Emphasizing cultural understanding and inclusion not only aids in integration but also enriches organizational culture, promoting diversity and global cooperation.

References

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