Cultural Differences Research Articles

Consumer Attitudes towards AI-based Financial Advice: Insights for Decision Support Systems (DSS) and Technology Integration

As financial technology (fintech) rapidly transforms the financial services landscape, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in providing financial advice becomes a focal point. This study delves into the intricate dynamics of AI-based financial advice adoption, focusing on technology integration, decision support systems, and the mediating role of perceived utility. The primary purpose of this research is to unravel the complex relationships between technology integration, Decision Support System (DSS), perceived utility, and their collective influence on consumer attitudes toward AI-based financial advice and technology adoption. Adopting a cross-sectional design, we target the Chinese population and utilize an online questionnaire for data collection. A sample size of 259 participants is determined using the rule of thumb technique, with random sampling ensuring representativeness. Data analysis will be conducted using the AMOS software, allowing for an in-depth examination of the relationships between variables. The study findings demonstrate how integrating technology enhances customers' perceptions and acceptance of it, especially when it comes to data security and compatibility. The study also demonstrates how customer attitudes and the uptake of AI-driven financial aid are significantly impacted by DSS aspects like decision transparency and predictive analytics precision. The study is unique because of its cross-cultural approach and perceived value as a mediating component. While this study focuses on the Chinese population, the researchers acknowledge the importance of cultural differences in shaping user perceptions and behaviors. While the findings may offer valuable insights into the Chinese context, caution is advised in generalizing the results to other cultural contexts.

Unleashing cultural diversity knowledge for improved knowledge sharing and integration: an in-depth qualitative analysis

Purpose This study aims to investigate international students’ experiences through a lens of knowledge management perspective, emphasizing their strategies for knowledge management in tandem with cultural adaptation. The primary objective is to elucidate how international students navigate cultural differences and use knowledge management strategies to augment their learning and integration, thereby supporting their academic progress in a new academic environment. Design/methodology/approach An in-depth qualitative research strategy was used, using semistructured interviews with Pakistani doctoral students who were studying in Australia. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring themes and patterns in the data. Findings The findings reveal that international students adeptly adopt various knowledge management strategies to facilitate cultural adaptation. These strategies encompass embracing otherness through a sense of belonging, engaging in both personal and shared learning experiences, achieving individual success, and using critical inquiry as a guiding framework for observations. Notably, this study underscores the pivotal role played by cultural competence in conjunction with social networks, influencing cultural intelligence and, subsequently, impacting knowledge sharing and integration for academic progress. Practical implications This study’s findings provide practical insights for higher education institutions and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of supporting international students in their cultural adaptation and knowledge management endeavors. These practical implications encompass fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, supporting intercultural engagement, using technology for enhanced learning and communication and promoting the development of cultural intelligence among international students. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on international student experiences and knowledge management by providing insights into the strategies used by international students to navigate knowledge of cultural differences to enhance their learning experiences and advance academic progress. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the intersection between cultural adaptation and core knowledge management concepts of knowledge sharing and integration in the context of higher education.

Interactive math comics: An analysis of Indonesian and Spanish students’ responses

This study investigates the responses of Indonesian and Spanish students to the use of interactive mathematics comics in their education. The research aims to see the practicality of these comics on student engagement, comprehension, and retention of mathematical concepts across different cultural contexts. Using a quantitative approach, the study analyzes data through normality and homogeneity tests to ensure the reliability and consistency of responses. Results show that Indonesian and Spanish students respond positively to interactive mathematics comics, demonstrating increased motivation and interest. However, cultural differences significantly influence the perception of specific indicators such as content quality, technical quality, and language usage. Indonesian students, who are generally accustomed to traditional teaching methods, found the comics engaging and helpful in understanding complex concepts. On the other hand, Spanish students, who are more familiar with interactive and student-centered learning, showed mixed responses depending on their educational experiences and expectations. Despite these differences, both groups recognized the value of interactive comics as a supplementary educational tool. Future research could explore a larger and more diverse sample size, including longitudinal studies to assess the sustained impact of such tools and further investigate the integration of other multimedia elements like augmented reality to enhance interactivity. From these results, the Mathematics Comic on Cartesian coordinates material developed is practical and can be used in mathematics learning. This is because the Mathematics Comic on Cartesian coordinates material received a good response, and students hope that learning mathematics will be more fun and effective.

Predictors of explicit and implicit anthropomorphism in house facades.

Anthropomorphism describes the tendency to endow objects with human characteristics, with some individuals being more inclined to do this than others. In an ambiguous environment, this phenomenon can offer guidance. This study investigates the relationship between self-reported attribution and evoked anthropomorphism when viewing house facades. Data was collected from three countries (Germany, Denmark, Canada; N = 305). Implicit house anthropomorphism was measured using the Global Vectors for Word Representation method. Explicit anthropomorphism was assessed using the Individual Differences in Anthropomorphism Questionnaire (IDAQ) and a specific House Anthropomorphism Score (EHAS). No significant relationship was found between implicit and explicit house anthropomorphism. Individual IDAQ scores were significantly associated with EHAS across all participants, regardless of country. Additionally, a high degree of agreement in explicit ratings between countries suggests that cultural differences are rather negligible. When objects are given human personality traits and people interact with them because emotions are triggered, it is important to understand which aspects elicit positive and reactive behaviors. In particular, houses, which have high psychological significance as objects of self-expression, might contribute to well-being, so research in this area can provide important knowledge for urban design and architecture.

Clinicians' experiences of obtaining informed consent for research and treatment: a nested qualitative study from Pakistan.

Informed consent is considered to be the standard method for respecting the autonomy of individual participants in research and practices and is thought to be based on several conditions: (1) providing information on the purpose of the research or a specific treatment, what it will entail, (2) the participants being mentally competent to understand the information and weigh it in the balance, and (3) the participants to be free from coercion. While there are studies of informed consent in other countries, especially Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs), this study explored the experiences of clinicians regarding the process of obtaining informed consent to participate in a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) in particular and treatment in general in healthcare settings, both general and mental health, specifically focusing on the tension between individualistic concept of autonomy and collectivist values in cultures such as Pakistan. Qualitative interviews with 20 clinicians from healthcare settings in Pakistan who also served as recruiters in a suicide prevention RCT in Pakistan. The interviews were guided by semi-structured topic guide. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The interviews revealed that shared decision making was more morally important than individual autonomy, the role of the family played a dominant part in the consent-taking procedure, the decision of the elder and/or family patriarch took prominence, and that clinician-researchers encountered significant challenges in consent process in Pakistan, while recruiting patients into the trial as well as during routine treatment processes in healthcare settings. Four distinct themes emerged which were (1) Family deciding for patients, (2) Benefits of involving family in consent process, (3) Gender disparity in consent process, (4) Challenges experienced by clinician-researchers during consent process in Pakistan. The concept of consent is generally considered important in many cultures, however, there are two strands of understanding. There seems to be consensus that participant agreement is necessary to protect the participant but with regards to autonomy there are significant cultural differences whether it is the right for autonomy of the individual (individualistic concept) or family, community, or expert authority in other cultures. In Pakistan clinician-researchers sometimes preferred one approach and sometimes the other as they appreciated the interests of the patient to be.

Cultural Preservation and Identity: Exploring Strategies for Preserving Cultural Identity among Refugees, Migrants and Minority Communities While Promoting Integration and Social Cohesion

Abstract: The preservation of cultural identity among refugees, migrants and minority communities poses a serious challenge in the context of increasing global travel. This essay examines several tactics meant to support social cohesiveness and integration within host nations while still protecting cultural identity. This research identifies critical elements that support the effective preservation of cultural heritage by an extensive analysis of the body of existing literature. The study highlights the value of inclusive policies, community-driven projects, and educational programs in promoting a sense of respect and belonging across various communities. It also emphasizes how important intercultural communication and cooperation are to reducing cultural differences and promoting social harmony. This study offers a sound understanding of how cultural integration and preservation can coexist, ultimately leading to more inclusive and cohesive societies, by looking at successful models and potential roadblocks. Policymakers, social workers, educators, and community leaders who are dedicated to promoting social integration and cultural variety in a global community that is becoming more interconnected will find great value in these findings.

The Cultural Differences Between China and The West in International Business Activities

With the development of economic globalization, more and more enterprises choose to expand their industries abroad, leading that international business activities are becoming more and more frequent. At the same time, the important role of cultural differences in international business activities has become increasingly prominent. Studying the cultural differences between China and the West in international business activities can help multinational corporations understand what cultural differences exist in their business activities between China and Western countries, what challenges they will encounter and how to deal with these challenges, so as to improve their competitiveness, help them carry out international business activities smoothly, and finally promote the prosperity of the global economy.

The ecology of relatedness: How living around family (or not) matters.

How does living in an environment with many or few family relatives shape our psychology? Here, we draw upon ideas from behavioral ecology to explore the psychological effects of ecological relatedness-the prevalence of family relatives in one's environment. We present six studies, both correlational and experimental, that examine this. In general, people and populations that live in ecologies with more family relatives (Studies 1-4b), or who imagine themselves to be living in such ecologies (Studies 2/3a/3b/4b), engage in more extreme pro-group behavior (e.g., being willing to go to war for their country), hold more interdependent self-concepts, are more punishing of antisocial behaviors (e.g., support the death penalty for murder), identify themselves as more connected to and trust nearby groups (e.g., their community and neighbors) but less so distant groups (e.g., foreigners, the world), and also judge sibling incest as more morally wrong. These effects are examined across three countries (the United States, Ghana, the Philippines) and are robust to a range of controls and alternative explanations (e.g., ingroup preferences, familiarity effects, kinship intensity). The current work highlights the psychological effects of an underexamined dimension of our social ecology, provides a set of methods for studying it, and holds implications for understanding the ecological origins of a range of social behaviors and cultural differences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DISCLOSURE PRACTICES: EVIDENCE FROM INDIAN AND GCC NATIONS

This paper makes a cross-sectional comparison of corporate governance disclosure trends in India and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. Benchmarking measures which include board of directors’ responsibility, audit committee efficiency and transparency, the study encompasses varied growth trend based on region. Local practices of Indian firms are relatively higher than global counterparts due to structured regulatory environment and focus on conformance to the established rules and regulation as well as international standards. Still, Gulf countries companies present more variations in terms of board accountability that has to do with difference in regulatory environment due to differences in economic and culture. Nonetheless, both regions experienced stable audit practices, and this shows that both sides are equally serious about how the financial aspect of their enterprises is managed. This underlines the call for improved governance discloser to, appeal investment from international markets and improve stakeholder confidence. Thus, some suggestions for future research include longitudinal research that will focus on the dynamics of governance in the periods of time and investigations of the differences across the countries of the wider emerging markets. This research provides lessons that the policymakers, investors and corporate leaders should consider while enhancing governance standards of firms to be in parity with the best international practices. KEYWORDS: Corporate governance, disclosure practices, transparency, board accountability, audit committee, emerging markets, India, GCC, regulatory frameworks, stakeholder trust

Prioritizing equitable social outcomes with and for diverse readers: A conceptual framework for the development and use of justice-based reading assessment

Scholarship on the science of reading (SoR) has, in some instances, taken up more narrow views of reading in discussions and instantiations of reading assessment that do not center equity and justice, especially in schools. This can lead to less valid and even harmful reading assessment, especially for students from historically marginalized communities with diverse language, cultural, and neurological differences. Here, we draw on critically-minded reading research, as well as on work in equity-oriented educational assessment, to inform a justice-based reading assessment framework that can guide research, theory, policy, and practice. Using an equity-oriented and justice-based lens, the framework outlines three interwoven components: (1) relational and humanizing assessment practices; (2) justice-based products and outcomes; and, (3) a critical construct of reading. The framework compels designers, developers, and users to center the needs of rights-holders, and especially those from historically marginalized communities, throughout the assessment process. To do so, the framework outlines five principles that include orienting to equity and justice; prioritizing humanizing and critical assessment practices; grounding assessment in a complex, dynamic, and critical construct of reading for diverse populations; designing for justice-based social consequences, and engaging in critical debrief throughout. These principles guide eight phases of assessment, which we outline in detail. Finally, we discuss conceptual contributions as well as practical implications.

Multimodal Discourse Interpretation of the Paris Olympics Mascot

Background: This study aims to analyze the design intention of the mascot of the Paris Olympics from a multimodal perspective. As the host of the 2024 Olympic Games, Paris' mascot carries rich meanings. With globalization and technological advancement, information spreads multimodally, and multimodal discourse analysis is important to understand how the mascot interacts with different audiences, conveys meanings as well as bridges cultural differences, and spreads the Olympic spirit and cultural heritage of the host country. Methods: Taking Kress and Van Leeuwen's visual grammar as the theoretical basis, based on multimodal discourse analysis under the perspective of social semiotics, and combining with the analysis indexes in the multimodal image analysis software, the mascots of the Paris Olympic Games are visualized and interpreted to explore their image characteristics, design concepts and social significance. Results: the mascot is analyzed from three aspects: reproduction meaning, composition meaning and interaction meaning. In terms of reproduction, the mascot is related to the Olympic Games and French culture; in terms of composition, the emblem and other elements are the core information carrier, and the color and other elements play an important role; in terms of interaction, the mascot has a variety of interactions with the viewers and so on. Conclusion: Olympic mascots are important components of Olympic culture. The multimodal discourse analysis comprehensively and accurately interpreted the connotation of the mascot of the Paris Olympic Games, reflecting the information of the organizing country and integrating it with the Olympic movement, reflecting the spirit of sports. The study has deficiencies, and the mascots can be further explored in the real context.

The Effects of Age and Cultural Differences on the Relationship Between Aging Anxiety and Ageism: Focusing on Social Identity Theory.

This study aims to test the hypothesis that the association between aging anxiety and ageism will be enhanced by age differently in the United States and in Japan. Data were obtained from online surveys in the United States (Mage = 40.44, SD = 14.98; 39.7% women; n = 886) and in Japan (Mage = 50.32, SD = 16.38; 52.7% women; n = 556). Our findings illuminate that the levels of aging anxiety in the Japanese participants were positively associated with their levels of ageism regardless of their age. On the other hand, for the American participants, the level of aging anxiety was positively associated with higher ageism only among older adults, and not among younger adults. Differences in lifespan or traditional values are thought to have alleviated the strength of the association between aging anxiety and ageism.

Visual Communication Bridging Intercultural Barriers: Collaborative Methods Supporting the Social Inclusion of Young Refugees

This paper explores the possibilities of graphic languages in an intercultural context while analysing the potential of creative methods when working with refugee youth. The practice-based aspect of this research is undertaken with Open Doors Hungary, a community-based design project that creates a programme for unaccompanied refugee minors. The aim of Open Doors is to help young refugees integrate into Hungarian society and develop means of communication and quality relations with the host society. Refugee youth arriving in Hungary face serious problems: the loss of home and community, the traumas suffered during the journey, the cultural differences, and the lack of a common language make their social integration extremely challenging. These challenges are exacerbated by xenophobia and stereotypical opinions about foreigners. Social inclusion requires frequent contact with the local society, and refugee youth need new tools (cultural knowledge, language skills, intercultural skills) to overcome their disadvantages. Since 2013, the author has been working with refugee youth using participatory design tools such as regular creative sessions, workshops, and eight camps based on the integrating role of creativity and art. During these sessions, young refugees and their Hungarian and European peers learned about different visual communication tools and created common messages in the form of videos, animations, photos, posters, booklets, and murals. Through these activities, refugee youth become part of the design process, and the final result is based on their choices. In the theoretical research and field experiences, this paper states that design thinking and the creative process allow interactive cultural exchange, value sharing, safe and open discussions, and community building. As a global language, visual communication can be a tool for intercultural communication, storytelling, and self-expression. The opportunity for refugee youth and their Hungarian peers to work in intercultural teams develops new competencies and creates shared ownership and community.

The Infected Diabetic Foot: Does Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Irrigation Reduce Bioburden and Improve Wound Healing?

The aim of this study was to compare the microbial loads of patients with diabetic foot infections treated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with and without irrigation with polyhexamethylene biguanide (NPWTi-P). This is a post hoc analysis of combined data of two randomized clinical trials. We evaluated people with diabetes treated with moderate and severe diabetic foot infections that required surgery. Tissue specimens were obtained after the initial surgery and following a second planned return to the operating room after 48-72 h of NPWT or NPWTi-P, prior to the second surgery. We used quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to determine the total microbial loads (Log10 16S copies per gram of tissue). There was no difference in mean quantitative bacterial cultures among patients that received NPWT and NPWTi-P (before first surgery Log10: NPWT = 6.4 ± 1.8, NPWTi-P = 7.5 ± 1.7 vs before second surgery Log10: NPWT = 6.7 ± 1.8, NPWTi-P = 7.6 ± 1.9 p = .12). There was no difference in wound healing (59.5% vs 50.0%, p = .51) or time to heal (127 ± 109.3 vs 143 ± 95.9), p = .71). There were fewer re-infections in people that received traditional NPWT (28.6% vs 56.3%, p = .05). Level of Clinical Evidence: Level 1.

How are fashion merchandising curricula designed in the digital age? – Cross-cultural case study from the TPACK perspective

ABSTRACT This study investigated what and how the curricula in fashion merchandising are being offered in the United States and China in the context of digital transformation and possible differences in curricula development due to cultural and educational policy differences. The study was grounded in technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) and cultural dimension theories. Two academic programmes and eight courses were reviewed using the qualitative research method of the case study. The data were coded, classified, and analysed using MAXQDA, incorporating quantitative and qualitative data interpretations. The results revealed diverse ways for the instructors to incorporate TPACK-based curricula design approaches and highlighted the differences in curricula development between the U.S. and China programmes. The study findings offered in-depth views of the significance of TPACK on curricula development strategies and the potential challenges that educators face in meeting the industry's needs.

Local residents’ attitudes toward and contact with international students: a perspective from Montreal, Quebec

As migrants holding temporary, foreign-resident status in their host communities, international students often experience prejudice and have little meaningful contact with locals. To date, a comprehensive account of international students’ experience is lacking, and existing conceptualizations exclude linguistic threat as a potential source of increased prejudice and diminished contact. Therefore, our goal in this study (set in Quebec, Canada) was to explore local residents’ attitudes toward and contact with international students in relation to five potential threats experienced by local residents, including cultural differences, competition over resources, intergroup anxiety, stereotypes, with linguistic threat added as a new, previously unexplored variable. We recruited 59 student and non-student local francophone residents as participants and examined their attitudes toward, perceptions of threat from, and the quality and quantity of contact with international students attending English-medium universities. Both student and non-student participants demonstrated positive attitudes toward and low levels of perceived threat from international students, except for linguistic threat. Compared to student participants, non-student participants reported significantly greater linguistic threat from international students and described contact with them that was both less frequent and lower in quality. Regression models accounted for 50–67% of variance in participants’ attitudes, with symbolic threat to social values and belief systems emerging as the common significant predictor of attitudes for both groups. Adding linguistic threat did not improve regression models. Finally, only contact quality showed significant relationships with attitudes and perceived threat, where greater contact quality was associated with more favorable attitudes and reduced threat. We discuss implications of intergroup attitudes and contact for language planning and use in multilingual contexts.

The associations between well-being and Cloninger’s personality dimensions in a Korean community sample

Background Well-being is a multidimensional construct comprising affective and non-affective components. Previous research has consistently linked personality traits to well-being, yet cultural variations in this association remain underexplored, particularly in collectivistic cultures such as Korea. Therefore, this study aims to identify universal and culture-specific characteristics of personality in relation to well-being. Methods A sample of 527 Korean university students participated, providing data through the Korean version of the Temperament and Character Inventory-RS (TCI-RS), self-rated health (SRH), social support (SS), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS). Pearson correlation analysis and ANCOVA, with sex and age as covariates, were employed to examine linear associations. Multidimensional personality profiles were utilized to investigate non-linear associations among character dimensions on different aspects of well-being. All analysis was performed using jamovi 2.3.12. Results Self-directedness and cooperativeness exhibited positive linear associations with both affective (positive and negative affect) and non-affective (SRH, SS, SWLS) components of well-being. Self-directedness emerged as a key predictor across various well-being aspects. Cooperativeness was strongly associated with perception of social support. Self-transcendence showed positive associations with both positive and negative affect, considering interactions with other character dimensions. Discussion While self-directedness played a pivotal role universally, the impact of cooperativeness and self-transcendence appeared to be influenced by cultural factors, enhancing perception of social support and affecting both positive and negative affect in a collectivistic culture. This study illustrates the importance of considering cultural nuances in the relationship between personality and well-being. Future research should delve deeper into cultural differences, emphasizing the need for subtle interpretations of specific personality traits within diverse cultural contexts.

Investment Potential in Latin America under the Belt and Road Initiative

This study analyzes the current state, influencing factors, and potential of China's investments in Latin America under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Through a systematic review of China's investments in sectors such as mining, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and manufacturing in Latin America, the research explores the impact of geographical distance, institutional quality, infrastructure level, and cultural differences on Chinese enterprises' investments. The findings suggest that despite the vast geographical distance between China and Latin America, economic ties are strengthening through overseas infrastructure investments and financial cooperation. The study proposes policy recommendations to further promote bilateral investments through institutional reforms and localized strategies. The research provides theoretical support for Chinese enterprises' investment decisions in Latin America and serves as a valuable reference for policymakers.

A Comparative Analysis of American and Vietnamese Presidents' Speeches: A Systemic Functional Grammar Perspective

This study presents a comparative analysis of the inaugural speeches of U.S. President Joe Biden and Vietnamese President To Lam, utilizing Michael Halliday's Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) framework. By examining the Ideational (Transitivity), Interpersonal (Modality), and Textual (Texture and Cohesion) metafunctions, the study reveals how each leader's linguistic choices mirror the distinct political and cultural contexts of their respective nations. Joe Biden’s speech underscores the urgency of immediate action and crisis management, employing Material Processes to stress the importance of unity and national recovery. Conversely, To Lam's speech is rooted in long-term nation-building and the leadership of the Communist Party, with a focus on Relational Processes to reinforce collective responsibility and national unity. The Modality analysis demonstrates Joe Biden’s use of High Modality to convey decisiveness and transparency, aligning with American expectations for solid and clear commitments. In contrast, To Lam emphasizes collective duty and the Party's enduring leadership, reflecting Vietnam's socio-political ethos. Additionally, both speeches use Theme-Rheme structures and lexical repetition to ensure textual cohesion, though their cultural and ideological differences lead to distinct rhetorical approaches. By deepening our understanding of how political leaders use language to shape identities, communicate visions, and influence public perception, this study contributes to the broader field of political communication, offering insights into the strategic use of language across different cultural contexts.

Content Validity of Teacher's Evaluation of Neurodevelopmental Delays (TEDD) Tool for Indian Preschoolers.

Early detection of developmental delays in children can significantly help them realise their full potential. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), is the system in use at the moment to detect neurodevelopmental delays among children in the United States and other Western nations. However, due to cultural differences, there is a pertinent need for a content-validated module in the context of low- and middle-income countries, including India. The aim of this study was to develop and validate Teacher's Evaluation of Neurodevelopmental Delays (TEDD) tool based on the criterions and definitions of neurodevelopmental disorders as mentioned in DSM-V and then synced with developmental milestones mentioned in International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)/ New York City Early Education Centre (NYCE) framework, and items were worded in behavioural terms. We did a thorough review of the literature for the development of TEDD tool and used modified Delphi technique to content validate it. Data from nine experts, such as doctors, clinical psychologists, special educators, speech and language and applied behaviour analysis therapist were used for the analysis. Analysis resulted into 28 items being retained which can be applied in the Indian context. This study has shown good content validity of the TEDD tool. Future studies are being planned to rule the feasibility and reliability of this tool.