Cultural Differences Research Articles

Cultural Differences: When Hospitals Own Practices

This article investigates the challenges faced by a respected hospital system after acquiring three medical practices. Despite financial stability, these practices struggled to adapt to hospital ownership, resulting in decreased performance, morale, and patient satisfaction. The core issue identified was a cultural clash between the hospital’s structured business model and the more flexible, informal management style of the practices. The article underscores the importance of understanding cultural differences and setting clear expectations in hospital-practice partnerships. By addressing these issues early, organizations can avoid frustration and build a cooperative, goal-oriented environment. The goal is to develop a trusting relationship between the hospital and its acquired practices, resulting in improved performance and satisfaction for all stakeholders.

Content is Life: The Power of Social Media to Improve Health among Latinos

The Latino communities in the United States have grown substantially, comprising approximately 19% of the total population in 2021. Despite this demographic shift, disparities persist in healthcare access and outcomes within the Hispanic communities, influenced by cultural differences, language barriers, and structural inequalities. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes among Hispanics in the United States is notably significant, with epidemiological studies revealing a higher prevalence compared to non-Hispanic whites. Furthermore, obesity, recognized as a significant epidemic in the United States, poses a considerable risk factor for type 2 diabetes among Hispanics, with a higher prevalence observed compared to non-Hispanic whites. The association among obesity, type 2 diabetes, and various health outcomes underscores the critical role of behavioral interventions in disease prevention.

‘A clash of cultures’: varying perspectives on the Rhodesian incorporation into the South African special forces

ABSTRACT The South African Special Forces shared a close bond with the Rhodesian Special Air Service during the 1970s. Prior to the political changes in Rhodesia in 1980, a secret offer had been extended by the South African Defence Force to the Special Air Service to join the South African Special Forces. Following the 1979 elections in Rhodesia, many Rhodesian SAS operators joined the South African Special Forces to form 6 Reconnaissance Commando. However, the cultural differences and friction between the South African and Rhodesian operators hindered long-term cooperation. The potential for a much broader integration of Rhodesian experience was lost due to the clash in cultures between the South Africans and Rhodesians, and the loss of these Rhodesian operators due to dissatisfaction represented a missed opportunity for South Africa to have significantly strengthened its special forces. After only one operation in 1981, in which three Rhodesian operators were killed in action, most of the Rhodesians opted to end their contract with the South African Special Forces, which ultimately resulted in the closure of the Rhodesian Commando. This article examines why the incorporation of the Rhodesians did not work as envisioned from both a Rhodesian and South African perspective.

Application and renovation evaluation of Dalian's industrial architectural heritage based on AHP and AIGC.

This paper takes the example of industrial architectural heritage in Dalian to explore design scheme generation methods based on generative artificial intelligence (AIGC). The study compares the design effects of three different tools using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). It first establishes the key indicator weights for the renovation of industrial architectural heritage, with the criterion layer weights as follows: building renovation 0.230, environmental landscape 0.223, economic benefits 0.190, and socio-cultural value 0.356. Among the goal layer weights, the highest weight is for the improvement of living quality at 0.129, followed by resident satisfaction at 0.096, and educational and display functions at 0.088, while the lowest is for renovation costs at only 0.035. The design schemes are generated using Stable Diffusion, Mid Journey, and Adobe Firefly tools, and evaluated using a weighted scoring method. The results show that Stable Diffusion excels in overall image control, Mid Journey demonstrates strong artistic effects, while Adobe Firefly stands out in generation efficiency and ease of use. In the overall score, Stable Diffusion leads the other two tools with scores of 6.1 and 6.3, respectively. Compared to traditional design processes, these tools significantly shorten the design workflow and cycle, improving design quality and efficiency while also providing rich creative inspiration. Overall, although current generative artificial intelligence tools still have limitations in understanding human emotions and cultural differences, with continuous technological iteration, this method is expected to play a larger role in the design field, offering more innovative solutions for the renovation of industrial architectural heritage.

Role of innovation culture and post-Soviet mindset as factors determining speed of economic development in a small open economy: Case of Latvia

This research seeks to identify the value of a few common factors determining the speed of economic growth in Baltic states and analyzes their impact in detail on Latvia’s lagging. Latvia’s economic starting point after regaining independence because of the collapse of the Soviet Union was at least comparable to its neighbors. Still, after the implementation of liberal reforms towards a free market’ economy and 20 years of operation as an EU full member, Latvia is lagging in growth, prosperity, and innovation. Within the analysis, this scientific paper pays special attention to the three less discussed factors, namely, the impact of post-Soviet mind-set effects as a part of local innovation culture, lasting since regaining independence in 1991; the importance of the availability of talent pull, its density, diversity, and accessibility; and readiness and capability to capture external knowledge and technology adoption. The overall approach is the systemic assessment of the national innovation system and/or innovation ecosystem, trying to understand the differences between these two models. Research is performed by analysis of the performance of the local innovation ecosystem in connection with export- and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policies. The authors present a novel method for visually representing economic growth and its application in analyzing process development within transitional economic nations. The study uses an analytical and synthetical literature review. It offers a new GDP data visualization method useful for monitoring economic development and forecasting potential economic crises—the outcomes from aggregative literature analysis in a consolidated concept are provided for required talent policy proposals. The post-Soviet mindset is seen as a heritage and devious underdog that has left incredibly diverse consequences on today’s society, power structures, economic growth potential, and the emergence of healthy, well-managed, and sustainable innovation ecosystems. The post-Soviet mindset is a seemingly hidden and, at the same time, an intriguing factor that has a significant impact on the desire to make and implement the right decisions related to innovation, education, and other policies promoting business development. The key outcome of the article is that sociocultural aspects and differences in innovation culture led to a slow-down of Latvia’s economic growth compared to Estonia’s and Lithuania’s slightly more successful economic reforms.

A three-phase framework for mapping barriers to blockchain adoption in sustainable supply chain

PurposeBlockchain technology is one of the major contributors to supply chain sustainability because of its inherent features. However, its adoption rate is relatively low due to reasons such as the diverse barriers impeding blockchain adoption. The purpose of this study is to identify blockchain adoption barriers in sustainable supply chain and uncovers their interrelationships.Design/methodology/approachA three-phase framework that combines machine learning (ML) classifiers, BORUTA feature selection algorithm, and Grey-DEMATEL method. From the literature review, 26 potential barriers were identified and evaluated through the performance of ML models with accuracy and f-score.FindingsThe findings reveal that feature selection algorithm detected 15 prominent barriers, and random forest (RF) classifier performed with the highest accuracy and f-score. Moreover, the performance of the RF increased by 2.38% accuracy and 2.19% f-score after removing irrelevant barriers, confirming the validity of feature selection algorithm. An RF classifier ranked the prominent barriers and according to ranking, financial constraints, immaturity, security, knowledge and expertise, and cultural differences resided at the top of the list. Furthermore, a Grey-DEMATEL method is employed to expose interrelationships between prominent barriers and to provide an overview of the cause-and-effect group.Practical implicationsThe outcome of this study can help industry practitioners develop new strategies and plans for blockchain adoption in sustainable supply chains.Originality/valueThe research on the adoption of blockchain technology in sustainable supply chains is still evolving. This study contributes to the ongoing debate by exploring how practitioners and decision-makers adopt blockchain technology, developing strategies and plans in the process.

CRITICAL FACTORS INFLUENCING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AMONG STAKEHOLDERS FOR PROJECT DELIVERY IN JIGAWA STATE

Communication plays an important role in project delivery in terms of relationship, trust and collaboration among internal stakeholders. This research aims to examine the relationship between factors influencing effective communication among stakeholders and construction project delivery with a view of improving communication among stakeholders in construction project delivery in Jigawa State. Questionnaire was used for data collection in Dutse capital of Jigawa state, various factors influencing effective communication among stakeholders are identified from literature review, experts and professionals working in public and private building project in Dutse capital of Jigawa state were selected using a probability sampling technique, a total of one hundred and eight (108) respondents were selected and interviewed using structured questionnaire which represent 90% of response rate. The data are analyzed by descriptive (frequencies and percentage,) and inferential statistics (spear’s man correlation, ANOVA and regression coefficient) are conducted using SPSS 25 version software. The Findings shows that Leadership, trust, communication tools, communication skills, stakeholders involvement, cultural differences and communication technology have strong correlation with successful project delivery and understanding the factors influencing effective communication among stakeholders can foster better collaboration among stakeholders, minimize conflicts and disputes, and can lead to improved project outcomes, reduced delays, and increased customer satisfaction. Leadership, communication skill and communication tools have significant effect on construction project delivery. The factors influencing effective communication among stakeholders would consequently affect the performance of project delivery. These factors can be considered as the critical factors that enhance effective communication among stakeholders for successful project delivery in...

Words, Characters and Messages in the Queer Romance of Generation Z

Abstract: This article presents an attempt to analyze the structural elements and characters that make Casey McQuiston's debut novel Red, White & Royal Blue so popular with readers, as well as the challenges posed to viewers by director Matthew Lopez and the creative team of the eponymous film, which immediately became a cultural phenomenon with many fans among viewers. The novel and its film adaptation follow the relationship between two young men from prominent families against the constraints of a heteronormative society. The article investigates a pertinent and contemporary issue from a social and intercultural perspective. The primary objective is to identify and examine linguistic and communicative characteristics, including the contextual use of words and expressions, within a specific socio-cultural framework as depicted in two distinct art forms: literature and cinema. The analysis incorporates comparative elements by referencing well-known works that address similar themes related to cultural differences, behavioral patterns, stereotypes, prejudices concerning LGBTQ+, queer, cultural dynamics of Generation Z, and the influence of heteronormative societal structures. This text seeks to delineate the boundaries of a new interdisciplinary research field focused on the concept of difference. It aims to propose potential research methodologies that contribute to the development of a comprehensive methodological framework, free from bias. In accordance with the principles of academic correctness, the novel and the film Red, White & Royal Blue are analyzed. Keywords: Red, White & Royal Blue, RW&RB, new adult fiction, Casey McQuiston, Matthew López, Generation Z, rom-com, LGBTQ+, queer.

Privacy, confidentiality and ethical concerns in audio ai assistants: A comparative study of North American, European, and Asian Markets

This study examines the ethical, privacy, and confidentiality issues with audio AI assistants in the markets of North America, Europe, and Asia. Understanding the ramifications of data collecting, storage, and usage is crucial as the use of technologies like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa grows. The study highlights significant regulatory differences between the areas; North America offers a fragmented landscape, and many Asian nations are still developing their data protection legislation, while Europe leads with strong frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Key challenges identified include a lack of user awareness regarding privacy rights, extensive data collection practices, unauthorized listening, data breaches, and cultural differences influencing attitudes toward data protection. The findings reveal that these challenges impact user trust and hinder the responsible innovation of AI technologies. Recommendations for improvement include establishing global regulations to promote consistency in data protection, adopting best practices such as privacy-by-design principles, and enhancing user education initiatives. Additionally, the study identifies critical areas for future research, particularly the role of AI assistants in sensitive sectors like healthcare and education, where privacy concerns may differ significantly. Overall, this comparative analysis provides a foundational understanding of audio AI assistants' ethical landscape and underscores the importance of addressing these issues to foster a secure and trustworthy digital environment.

Trust in leader and positive employee outcomes: To transform or to serve in cross-cultural leadership

Considering the potential impacts of context-specific value systems in individuals’ perceptions of phenomena, this study seeks to investigate whether and how cultural differences could influence the effectiveness of leadership styles in establishing trust and positive employee outcomes (PEOs) as well as the relationships between such outcomes based on the GLOBE project. The sample consisted of 1647 valid responses from 128 independent hotels’ employees in four countries from two GLOBE clusters (Anglo and South Asia). Multilevel structural equation modelling has been used for the analysis. Significant but different relationships were found between Servant Leadership and Transformational Leadership with Trust, and PEOs in the two clusters, which could be potentially attributed to societal and contextual factors as a deeper layer mechanism. Our findings have significant implications for both academics and hotel managers in terms of the critical role of alignment between context-specific contingencies and the selected leadership style in establishing trust and PEOs.

Application and Impact of the “Third Place” Concept — Starbucks as an Example

This essay explores the concept of the “Third Place” as epitomized by Starbucks, analyzing its significance in fostering community and enhancing the customer experience. By positioning itself as a communal hub, Starbucks transcends traditional retail paradigms, offering a space where social interactions flourish. The study found that Starbucks, through its successful global localization strategy, has effectively created a “third space” in different cultural contexts, enhancing customers’ sense of belonging and loyalty. Despite the impact of cultural differences on the brand experience, Starbucks’ space design and branding have become an important medium for customers to demonstrate their identity and interact socially. As the coffee shop market becomes increasingly crowded, Starbucks will need to continue to innovate and differentiate itself to meet customers’ evolving needs. In the future, Starbucks will need to continue to adapt to cultural differences and innovate to meet the challenges of the marketplace to maintain its global competitiveness.

The Impact of Cross-Cultural Management on International Business Performance – A Case Study of Alibaba and Amazon

This essay examines the impact of cross-cultural management on international business performance, with a focus on Alibaba and Amazon. Through a comparative analysis of their management practices, the study explores how cultural dimensions influence leadership styles, communication methods, and decision-making processes in these global e-commerce giants. Cultural differences can be comprehended through theoretical frameworks, such as Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory. The essay delves into Alibaba’s organizational practices and growth, highlighting its alignment with Chinese cultural values, and contrasts these with Amazon’s decentralized structure and customer-centric approach driven by Western business norms. The report shows how each company’s cross-cultural tactics contribute to its global success by analysing performance criteria like customer engagement, staff satisfaction, and operational efficiency. The findings reveal that Alibaba’s emphasis on collectivism and long-term relationships fosters strong local partnerships and employee loyalty, while Amazon’s adaptability and innovation are key to its international expansion. The essay concludes with recommendations for other multinational enterprises seeking to navigate the challenges of cross-cultural management effectively. These findings emphasize the importance of cultural knowledge and customized management techniques in improving a company’s performance in various markets.

Exploring Speech Acts in Suicide Notes from the Forensic Linguistics Approach: A Comparative Study of Chinese and American Cases

Suicide notes are the information left by people who commit suicide. In these notes, people employ various speech strategies to express their emotion and will. The strategies and content in suicide note vary with culture. Using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) and Chinese LIWC (CLIWC) programs, this study looks at the speech actions in suicide notes as well as the linguistic and affective traits of suicide notes from Chinese and American individuals. The results show that while expressive acts and social words are more prevalent in American notes, suggesting stronger social connectivity, forceful acts predominate in all countries. Chinese suicide notes, on the other hand, show more directed actions and a greater frequency of both good and negative feelings in these actions. Despite the study’s limitations due to the small sample size, it provides valuable insights into the cultural differences in the language of suicide and suggests directions for future research, including larger-scale analyses and the development of AI-driven tools for suicide prevention.

Queer, Migrant Non-Parenthood in Désorientale by Négar Djavadi and Gabrielle by Agnès Vannouvong

Abstract Désorientale (2016) by Franco-Iranian author Négar Djavadi and Gabrielle (2015) by Franco-Lao-Thai author Agnès Vannouvong both emerge at a moment when queer people have some rights (marriage and adoption) but no access to assisted reproductive technology (ART). They take up the issue of what I term “political infertility,” rebuking the notion of queerness as an unproductive sexuality. These novels’ queer (migrant) characters experience compounded forms of exclusion, along the lines of race, gender, sexuality, and cultural difference. I explore how the queer (migrant) nonparent speaks to a particular precarity within a system of power, revealing the complex way in which the nonparent is entrapped by competing modes of legitimatization, visibility, and access to full and fulfilled subjecthood.

Intellectual Property Risks and Countermeasures in Cross-Border E-Commerce

Cross-border e-commerce has experienced rapid development driven by globalization trends, emerging as a significant force propelling international trade and economic growth. However, with the intensification of legal, cultural differences, and technological changes across nations, intellectual property issues in the cross-border e-commerce sector have become increasingly prominent. Intellectual property serves as the core of business innovation and market competition; any infringement thereof can lead to substantial financial losses for enterprises and erode market trust and brand reputation. Cross-border e-commerce enterprises face multifaceted intellectual property risks, including infringement, brand theft, and data leakage, particularly within differing legal systems, complicating these issues further. The protection of intellectual property is not only crucial for safeguarding corporate interests but also a necessary prerequisite for ensuring the healthy development of the global market. In response, cross-border e-commerce enterprises must adopt proactive measures, ranging from institutional construction to enhancing user awareness, to comprehensively address intellectual property risks and ensure their competitiveness and sustainable development in the international market.

Simile in Abdullah Farea and Sameer Nassar Translations of Hemingway's Men Without Women Short Stories

This study investigates the translation of similes in two Arabic versions of Ernest Hemingway’s Men Without Women, translated by Abdullah Fadhel Farea (2007) and Sameer Izzat Nassar (2003). Focusing on the cultural and stylistic importance of similes in Hemingway’s work, it examines the translation techniques used by each translator and evaluates their success in bridging linguistic and cultural differences. Using Katharina Reiss’s functional model (2000), the analysis assesses how semantic, lexical, and stylistic elements affect the translation of similes. It examines strategies like figurative equivalence, literal translation, and adaptation, highlighting both successful and problematic examples. The study reveals that while both translators aim to preserve Hemingway’s vivid imagery, their approaches to cultural nuances differ. The findings emphasize the importance of considering cultural context and audience expectations when translating similes to ensure both fidelity to the original text and resonance with the target readership.

Europe vs Hong Kong partnership agreements: reversing trends

The comparison between EU cohesion policies on public works as a common good and Hong Kong’s policies on public-private participation to preserve and revitalise architectural heritage highlights cultural and operational differences. While Europe often adopts an inclusive approach, involving the communities mainly in the valorisation of public spaces, Hong Kong implements models more focused on public-private partnership to preserve the public real estate. Thus, the adaptive reuse of public works at the two different scales transforms public works into catalysts of prosperity for the community by preserving historical memory, but has a different impact on shared value generation, social cohesion enhancement, sustainable development promotion, and collective identity valorisation. The contribution analyses the two models (centrifugal and centripetal), focusing on objectives and implementation tools.

Studying the impact of profitability, bankruptcy risk, and pandemic on narrative tone in annual reports in an emerging market in the East

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the narrative tone of annual reports is influenced by profitability, bankruptcy risk, and pandemic in the context of Vietnam. The study applies the necessary regression analysis steps such as ordinary least squares (OLS), random effects model (REM), fixed effects model (FEM), and feasible generalized least squares (FGLS). Bootstrapping and System Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM) methods are used to test the robustness and address endogeneity and dynamic relationships in the data. The findings show that net tones increase while negative tones decrease in companies with high profitability. Companies at risk of bankruptcy use more negative tone and less net tone than companies that are not at risk of bankruptcy. The study also affirms that bankruptcy risk moderates the relationship between profitability and negative tone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, companies used more positive and negative tones than they did before the pandemic. After the COVID-19 situation stabilized, positive tones were used more, and negative tones were used less than during the outbreak. The research results also recognized that companies do not intend to hide information through impression management when faced with difficult economic conditions. This study has practical implications for investors and information users when considering management disclosures through the narrative tone of annual reports. To our knowledge, this is the first study (1) in an emerging market in the East—where there are fundamental cultural and linguistic differences compared to Western countries, (2) to build a list of Vietnamese words and phrases expressing emotional nuances used in finance and accounting, and (3) refers to the narrative tone of annual reports across different groups of companies.

Exploring the Barrier between Language and Culture from the Perspective of Postmodernist Aesthetics - Taking the Translation of One Hundred Years of Solitude by Huang Jinyan and the Translation by Fan Ye as an Example

Focusing on the translations of Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude by Huang Jinyan and Fan Ye, this paper explores how language shapes and reflects cultural differences, thus influencing cross-cultural communication from a postmodernist aesthetic perspective. The opening chapter briefly describes the relevance of postmodern aesthetics to translation studies, with a special focus on the strategies of naturalization and alienation in magical realist translations and their role in conveying cultural connotations. Subsequently, a comparative analysis of the two translations reveals the differences in the translators’ strategies in dealing with the complex symbols and cultural elements of the original work: Fan’s translation tends to alienate, retaining the exotic and magical qualities and preserving the uniqueness of Latin American culture, but it may increase the barriers to comprehension for Chinese readers; Huang’s translation is inclined towards naturalization, which is closer to local reading habits and enhances the readability of the text, but it may diminish the cultural shock and depth of the original text. The core of the article emphasizes that translation is a dual process of cultural selection and re-creation. It requires the translator to strike a balance between preserving the original style and transmitting the cultural essence within the framework of postmodern aesthetics. The article further discusses the crucial role of this balance in enhancing cross-cultural communication and expanding horizons. It also proposes guidelines for future translation practice and research, advocating for a harmonious and symbiotic translation strategy that respects the original work while adapting to the target culture, particularly in the translation of cross-cultural literature.

Mediterranean Diet: its Nutritional Composition and Health Benefits in Chronic Disease Prevention

The Mediterranean diet (MD), as a scientifically proven healthy eating pattern, originated in the Mediterranean region and is gradually respected globally. In recent years, a large number of studies have confirmed its remarkable effect in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. However, there is still a certain research gap in the specific nutritional composition of the MD and its comprehensive understanding of health. Additionally, the widespread adoption of the MD faces challenges, including cultural differences and the adaptation of dietary habits. This article reviews the analysis of the major food groups and nutrients in the MD, exploring its health benefits in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, management of type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as cancer prevention. Through comprehensive existing research, this article reveals the scientific evidence of the MD to benefit health. The results of the research provide a scientific basis for promoting the MD, and provide direction for further studying the mechanism of the MD prevention disease in the future.