Eastern Cultures Research Articles

Japanese Cross-Cultural Management in Indian Business-to-Business Marketing Situations: A Study of Evolving Intra-Asian Differences in Cultural Values

ABSTRACT Purpose Extensive research has been conducted on cross-cultural comparisons between Eastern and Western organizational cultures in major trading domains. However, there is a lack of examination of intra-comparative management nuances within Asian regions. This research paper focuses on the under-explored topic of the values, beliefs, and attitudes (VBAs) that influence the outcomes of East Asian (e.g. Japan) marketing strategies and operations when implemented in South Asian (e.g. India) markets and organizational contexts. The study aims to analyze the impact of VBAs on marketing effectiveness and provide insights for marketers in cross-cultural settings. The article analyzes the customer satisfaction orientation (CSO) of Japanese business executives and draws insights that offer lessons related to cultural VBAs for overall marketing strategy and foreign investors. Methodology/approach The paper employs a social constructivist paradigm and gathers empirical research through multiple interviews. These facilitate novel and normally rare access and insights into Japanese business leaders’ lived experience of CSO in B2B Indian intercultural situations. Findings Interpretivist data analysis reveals several push-pull factors that influence CSO practice. The research identifies shared values such as long-termism and harmony that have the potential to boost CSO as a marketing strategy in India. Research implications The paper develops a conceptualization of cultural VBAs that lead to successful CSO practice in India and is of relevance to foreign investors. Practical implications This study suggests that East Asian marketers should carefully consider the impact of VBAs on their marketing strategies. Our research sheds light on the ongoing discussion on static versus evolving nature of culture and highlights the need to pay attention to cultural change, particularly congruence and confluence in workplace values. Originality The intercultural study contributes to the literature on international marketing strategy by highlighting the nature and importance of understanding traditional and evolving cultural VBAs for appreciating receptivity to adoption and thereby efficacy of home country marketing strategy.

A Bridge Between East and West: Dr. Johan Louis Schlimmer's Medical Contributions in Qajar Iran (1819-1881).

Dr. Johan Louis Schlimmer (1819-1881), a Dutch physician, played a transformative role in the development of modern medicine in Qajar-era Iran. Arriving in Iran driven by a deep passion for Eastern culture, Schlimmer's contributions extended far beyond the confines of traditional medical practice. His work in medical education, particularly at the prestigious Dar al-Fonun, laid the foundation for the modernization of Iranian healthcare. Schlimmer's efforts to bridge the gap between Western and Iranian medical knowledge are epitomized by his collaboration on the Persian medical dictionary, commonly known as Schlimmer's Dictionary, and his seminal work, Terminologie Médico-Pharmaceutique et Anthropologique Française-Persane. These texts not only expanded the Persian medical lexicon but also integrated contemporary Western medical concepts with traditional Iranian practices. Schlimmer's approach, which emphasized the indigenization of medical knowledge, made complex medical phenomena accessible to Iranian practitioners and laid the groundwork for the advancement of public health in Iran. His legacy, marked by a commitment to cultural and scientific exchange, continues to resonate in the field of Iranian medical history. This article explores the multifaceted contributions of Dr. Schlimmer, highlighting his enduring impact on the evolution of healthcare in 19th-century Iran.

When western concept meets eastern culture: Exploring the impact of Confucianism on shared decision-making in China

This commentary explores how Confucian values influence shared decision-making (SDM) in Chinese healthcare, particularly in oncology. It highlights two key cultural foundations: Family Harmony and Filial Piety, which underscore the deep-rooted involvement of families in medical decision-making, often prioritizing collective decisions over individual autonomy; and Ritual Governance, which explains the cultural roots of power imbalances in healthcare relationships, where patients typically defer to the authority of doctors, and the role of nurses in SDM is limited. The paper argues that for SDM to be effectively integrated into Chinese healthcare, strategies must be adapted to align with cultural norms while encouraging patient empowerment. It also calls for a nuanced understanding of the evolving Chinese culture and emphasizes the need for global healthcare providers to develop cultural competence to better support Chinese patients, especially in the context of oncology, both domestically and internationally.

Tame the Name

Abstract This article examines two mechanisms in treating Persian names in English-speaking contexts: name projection and name adoption. The article adopts Edward Said's Orientalism, noting Western-centric naming and colonial division with Western superiority. The treatment of the Oriental name will be discussed within the frame of linguistic Orientalism which refers to the portrayal or study of Eastern languages and cultures through the lens of Western superiority or exoticisation. Previously, this mindset projected the coloniser's preferred names onto the territory and individuals of the Other. Today, the name of the Other is governed as the subjects from different backgrounds are propelled to conform to the coloniser's preferences in choosing Anglo-sounding names. I will conclude that the shift from the authoritative name projection to the disciplinary name adoption manifests a Foucauldian trajectory from ‘sovereign power’ to modern ‘disciplinary power’ in taming the name of the Other.

Inter-cultural perspectives on aging

This review examines the inter-cultural perspectives on aging, focusing on how cultural dimensions and stereotypes influence attitudes toward the elderly. The purpose of this research is to explore the variations in aging perceptions between Eastern and Western cultures, considering the growing global aging population. The study analyzes significant cultural dimensions, including power distance, individualism versus collectivism, masculinity versus femininity, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term versus short-term orientation, which shape societal attitudes toward older adults. The review compares Eastern cultures, which are generally influenced by Confucian values promoting respect and care for the elderly, with Western societies that often emphasize youth, independence, and innovation, leading to more prevalent ageism. Furthermore, the impact of stereotypes on healthcare practices is explored, revealing how negative perceptions can adversely affect the quality of care provided to older adults. The findings indicate that intercultural sensitivity is crucial for healthcare professionals to deliver effective, culturally appropriate care. The review highlights the need for further research and the development of healthcare systems that address the needs of diverse aging populations. In conclusion, understanding cultural influences on aging is essential for enhancing the well-being and quality of life of older adults globally, and for creating inclusive societies that value all age groups.

КЫРГЫЗ СҮРӨТ ИСКУССТВОСУНУН УЛУТТУК ЖАНА БӨТӨН УЛУТТУК ПРОБЛЕМАЛАРЫ

The purpose of the research in the article is to determine the ethnonational and international problems of modern Kyrgyz art. The economic and socio-political reforms of the late 20th and early 21st centuries had a particular impact on the transformation of Kyrgyz fine art. The methodology of art differs from the methodology of science in that the artist does not always pursue the same goal as the scientist. Art is not a search for truth, but the creation of the most effective form that can convey thoughts, feelings and images to the viewer. For this purpose, the article uses a comparative typological research method. Sometimes in conceptual art the entrepreneurial process is the only part of the work on display, with no visible results. The article interprets new terminological designations of contemporary art (performance, installation, environment, ready-made, science art). The main content of the article analyzes how Eastern and Western cultures influenced Kyrgyz art and examines the criteria of art. As a result, ethnonational and foreign problems of art were introduced experimentally into practical processes, nevertheless, the originality of Kyrgyz artists was preserved and reflected in their work.

Assistance in the Implementation of Character Education (Panca Adab) Based on Eastern Culture

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of management training in the implementation of character education (Panca Adab) based on eastern culture in junior high schools. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method, this research involves students, teachers, and the school as subjects. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and documentation analysis, with data analysis carried out through reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawn. The findings of the study revealed that thoroughly and systematically implemented training succeeded in improving students' understanding of character values, involvement in school activities, and the application of ethical norms in daily life. The program showed positive results in motivating students and improving their academic and social performance, with an emphasis on adapting to feedback and changing needs. The implications of these results suggest that this character education program is effective in shaping students' character and strengthening their relationships within the school community, making it a potential model for similar programs in the future.

The Association between Emotional Intelligence and Prosocial Behaviors in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior both play an important role in the development of children and adolescents. However, the strength of the association between emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior in children and adolescents is controversial. Hence, this study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the exact association between emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior in children and adolescents. Through a literature search, a total of 40 studies and 40 effect sizes were included in this meta-analysis (n = 20621). In this study, the main effect test shows that there is a significant positive correlation between emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior in children and adolescents (r = 0.43). Moreover, the present study found a significant moderating effect of age. More specifically, the association between early childhood (0-6 years) emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior is stronger than in middle childhood (7-12 years) and adolescence (13-18 years), and the correlation between emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior is stronger in boys than in girls. The culture was also found to be an important moderator, the association was found to be weaker for Western culture than for Eastern culture. Finally, a stronger correlation between the two variables was found when the emotional intelligence measurement tool was LZ (Emotional intelligence questionnaire compiled by Liu Yan and Zou Hong). These results indicated that improving children's and adolescents' emotional intelligence could be an important strategy to enhance children's prosocial behavior.

Formed in context: A mixed-methods study of medical students' mindsets in an Eastern culture.

Mindsets have become an important focus in the fields of social and cognitive psychology. When holding a growth mindset, people appear more likely to engage in hard work and effort to foster success, seeing setbacks as necessary for learning. When holding a fixed mindset, in contrast, people tend to believe success comes from innate ability, seeing setbacks as evidence of inability. As such, mindsets affect students' learning, resilience and personal development. There is little empirical evidence, however, regarding how medical students perceive mindsets and the fundamental determinants of mindset formation, especially in non-Western contexts. This study investigated medical students' mindsets and perceptions of mindset formation with the aim of broadening the cross-cultural understanding of self-theories. Using a convergent mixed-methods approach at a medical school in China, the authors conducted a survey and four focus groups with medical students in first to third years. Quantitatively, we used the Dweck Mindset Scale to describe medical students' mindsets in the domains of intelligence and talent. Qualitatively, we analysed focus group data using a grounded theory approach to develop a descriptive model. Survey results included 464 responses for quantitative analysis. Multivariable regression found that Year 3 students had more fixed mindsets for intelligence and talent (p< 0.05) compared with Year 1 students. Rural students reported a more mixed mindset for intelligence compared to urban students (p< 0.05). Qualitative analysis of focus group data yielded four major categories: beliefs about mindsets, conceptualization of mindsets, achievement motivation and source of mindset formation. We developed a Mindset Basis Model to depict connections among the factors students perceived to influence mindset formation-intra- and interindividual factors; contextual factors; and micro-, meso- and macro-system factors-and students' motivation regarding achievement. The study describes medical students' mindsets for the domains of intelligence and talent and explores how they conceptualised these mindsets. The findings indicate that factors influencing mindsets do not operate in isolation but through intricate interactions among multilevel factors embedded within a context.

Predestination and Indeterminacy of the Future in Western and Eastern Cultures

Predestination and Indeterminacy of the Future in Western and Eastern Cultures

Unveiling the Mask of Asia: Representation of Western and Eastern Values in Crazy Rich Asians

The release of the film Crazy Rich Asians in 2018 caused a sensation. Its all Asian cast and commercial success are extolled as a breakthrough for Asian American cinema. The author attempts to explore how the film presents the Western and Eastern values and cultures by applying Representation theory, constructed in the intersectionality of gender, race and class. The author finds the film’s release is probably the byproduct of the Feminist Movements and the Civil Rights Movement and that the representation on Eastern values is stereotyped by Western-centered ideas, thus Asian American still have a long road before they can effect a change.

Prophetic Medicine in the Context of Middle Eastern Culture: A Concept Analysis.

Background: Prophetic Medicine, integral to healthcare in Muslim-majority regions, particularly the Middle East and North Africa, is often underexplored in existing literature. Purpose: This concept analysis sought to explore the concept of Prophetic Medicine by delineating its attributes, antecedents, and consequences in order to augment healthcare providers' comprehension of Prophetic Medicine. It also seeks to enhance interdisciplinary dialogue, thereby enriching the integration of traditional healing modalities in modern medical practices. Methods: Walker and Avant's method was used to conduct the concept analysis by reviewing published literature on the concept. Results: The analysis identified the core attributes of Prophetic Medicine, such as Black Seeds, Dates, Miswak, Wet cupping, and Zamzam water, and explored cultural, spiritual, and practical underpinnings of these practices. Antecedents such as cultural background, spiritual beliefs, basic knowledge, lower cost, perceived safety, efficacy, simple techniques, and dissatisfaction with allopathic therapy were identified. The consequences of these practices include the multifaceted impact of Prophetic Medicine, highlighting the relationship between these traditional practices and health outcomes. Implications for Practice: This concept analysis underscores the significance of recognizing these aspects of Prophetic Medicine for healthcare providers to effectively integrate Prophetic Medicine into practice, aiming for favorable patient outcomes and fostering a more inclusive, culturally sensitive healthcare environment.

Understanding Sexuality: A Quick Survey of Teenagers in Kupang and Its Environs

This study aims to determine teenagers’ understanding of sexuality in Kupang and its environs. The discussion about sexuality in Eastern culture is considered taboo and impolite, however, with the advancement in technology comes several interesting contents including sexuality. Although there have been studies discussing sex education, little is known about the topic in the context of Kupang and East Nusa Tenggara. A quick survey was conducted to show a considerable deficiency in literacy and understanding of sexuality among teenagers in Kupang to counter the open fast-growing information access world. A sample of 153 students from the junior secondary (SMP) and senior secondary schools provided their feedback through an online questionnaire. The results show that (1) respondents did not fully comprehend the meaning of the term sex; (2) social media was the main source of the knowledge respondents had regarding sex; (3) majority of the respondents did not ask their parents about sexuality and prefer to find it on their own; (4) parents gave negative responses when asked about sex/sexuality because of lack of knowledge; (5) most of the respondents accessed pornography to see body parts and sexual activities; and (6) more than half of the respondents reported rejection emotions toward sex, such as ignorant, disapproval, and sexual desire arousal. To conclude, parents should educate their children on sexuality in a clear and easy-to-understand language without trying to cover up sexuality talks. It is essential to provide a solution to increase teenagers’ understanding of sexuality by encouraging comprehensive sex education based on their development stages, Eastern culture, and religious values conducted by parents, the media, and schools. Keywords: quick survey, sexuality, teenagers, understanding

Chinese older adult educators’ attitudes toward aging and turnover intention: burnout as a mediator

ABSTRACT In the 21st century, with the spread of lifelong education and the increase in the aging population, the need for learning among older people has increased, resulting in a shortage of teachers for older learners. A literature review of both Western and Eastern cultures revealed that the turnover or shortage of older adult educators may be related to their attitudes toward aging and burnout. To confirm this hypothesis, this paper examines the mediating effect of burnout on the relationship between attitudes toward aging and turnover intentions among Chinese older adult educators. The Attitudes toward Aging Questionnaire, Turnover Intention Questionnaire, and Burnout Questionnaire were used to collect the data. Finally, a total of 774 samples from Shanghai, China, were analyzed through structural equation modeling. The results revealed that when three components of attitudes toward aging, i.e. psychological growth, physical change, and psychosocial loss, are considered, burnout in Chinese older adult educators fully mediates the relationship between psychosocial loss and turnover intention, which means that if Chinese older adult educators suffer considerable psychosocial loss, burnout increases, leading to increased turnover intention. In other words, the negative experience of psychosocial loss can be decreased through a holistic approach to teaching aging along with intergenerational interaction, which in turn reduces burnout and decreases the intention to leave. Future follow-up studies should focus on how to develop a holistic teaching curriculum to facilitate the practical implementation of the findings of this research. We believe that this research can be beneficial with regard to attempts to address the shortage of older adult educators and promote teacher development in the context of older adult education.

Flexible Work Arrangements, Job Satisfaction and Family Satisfaction: The Spillover Effect of Work-Family Conflict

Since its beginning, the pandemic has forced many organizations to adopt new norms, offering more flexible work arrangements. Yet, there is limited knowledge on how these arrangements, particularly flextime, could affect the work-family conflict (WFC) and its consequences on both job and family satisfaction. Despite this, there has been limited research on the spillover effect of WFC, concentrating on cross-domain effects on both job and family satisfaction in Eastern culture. Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate the spillover effect of WFC on job and family satisfaction among academicians from selected Malaysian public universities. The web-based survey questionnaire was employed, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Flextime was found to have a significant negative association with both WIF and FIW. Furthermore, the findings revealed that WIF has a stronger spillover effect on cross-domains, notably family satisfaction. FIW has a greater impact on its own domain specificity, namely family satisfaction. Thus, the study contributes to our understanding of the spillover effect of WFC on cross-domains, particularly in Eastern contextual cultures, and helps to provide additional insight into family-friend policies intended to reduce the occurrence of WFC, leading to a better balance of work and personal responsibilities.

Eastern arcade wall-hangings from the collection of the National Museum in Kielce

The collection of the National Museum in Kielce includes a pair of silk arcade wall-hangings, the origin of which should be linked with silk workshops in the Ottoman Empire. These fabrics have parallel artefacts in the Polishmuseum and church collections, and the vast majority of them are traditionally regarded as trophies from the relief of Vienna, which, however, is not confirmed in the sources. In the literature to date they have been referred to originating from Persia, Turkey and even Cairo, and dated to the seventeenth century. The high quality of the Kielce fabrics and their unique, eclectic style, in which Oriental details coexist with European ones, allow us to attribute their authorship to Greek silk workshops located, among others, on the island of Chios. Eastern fabrics entered the Commonwealth of Poland and Lithuania which had been under the influence of Middle Eastern culture since the fifteenth century, especially strongly in the seventeenth century in huge quantities, not only as war spoils or diplomatic gifts, but above all as an object of well-organised trade in which energetic Armenian merchants played a major role.

THE RIVERS OF THE PONTOS REGION IN ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL SOURCES: THE HALYS, IRIS  THERMODON

The seas have shaped and moulded the surrounding geography ecologically, economically, demographically and politically for ages. However, freshwater resources, which are essential for people’s lives, also attracted human communities to themselves, and settlements were formed around the freshwater resources and streams. Like all seas, the Pontos Eukseinos (the Black Sea) shaped its surrounding geography and gave its name to the region on the south coast. The region called the Pontos in ancient times attracted attention with its suitable climatic conditions, geographical features, underground and above ground rich resources and the autochthonous peoples living on it. It is understood that the rivers were significant for the shaping of this region. These rivers not only marked the boundaries of the region, but also were regarded as the psychological border between societies and civilizations throughout history. The Halys was one of these rivers. Not only did the Pontos region mark the southern and western borders but also was considered to be the border between the eastern and western cultures throughout the ages. Another important river in the region was the Iris River being the lifeblood of the region with its waters forming the fertile plains. The Thermodon River, which gained its fame with the legendary peoples living around it, contributed to the popularisation of the region, and formed fertile lands suitable for agriculture due to its wetlands, it also significantly added value to the development of the region. This study has tried to deal with the importance of the Halys, Iris and Thermodon rivers in the Pontos Region and their images in the minds of the people throughout the ages by taking into account the axis of the ancient, medieval sources and modern research.

Exploring the mediation role of self-compassion in the association between bullying perpetration and depression: A cross culture comparison study

BackgroundBullying perpetration is a well-established risk factor for depression. One potential explanation for the elevated depression levels among perpetrators is reduced self-compassion resulting from the process of dehumanisation during bullying perpetration, while the effects of this may vary across cultures. ObjectiveTo explore the potential role of two dimensions of self-compassion, namely compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding, in the relationship between bullying perpetration and depression, considering cultural differences. Participants and setting3,982 adolescents aged 12–18 years from Hong Kong, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands completed questionnaires regarding traditional bullying and cyberbullying perpetration, self-compassion, and depressive symptoms. MethodsModerated mediation analyses were conducted, considering a potential moderating effect of Eastern and Western culture. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore cross-cultural differences in the mediation models. ResultsSignificant associations were found between cyberbullying perpetration and depressive symptoms (β = 0.06, SE = 0.02, p = 0.007). Uncompassionate self-response partially mediated the association between traditional bullying perpetration and depressive symptoms (β = 0.08, SE = 0.01, p < 0.001). A significant interaction effect was found between traditional bullying perpetration and culture in predicting compassionate self-responding (β = 0.11, SE = 0.04, p = 0.002). The association between traditional bullying perpetration and compassionate self-responding was identified only in Western participants (β = 0.12, SE = 0.02, p < 0.001). ConclusionsUncompassionate self-responding mediated the association between traditional bullying perpetration and depression. Interventions and prevention programs should target uncompassionate self-responding among bullying perpetrators to prevent depressive symptoms. The distinct and culturally-specific roles of compassionate and uncompassionate self-compassion were supported, providing insights into the internal structure of self-compassion and its role in bullying behaviour.

A Related Study between Language and Gender

Nowadays as we all know, English is one of the most widely used languages in the world and Chinese is also the language that is used by most population in the world. English is a part of the Indo-European while Chinese belongs to Han-Tibetan languages. They have different historical development trajectories and choose different written systems. English and Chinese are both important representatives of Eastern and Western cultures. If you conduct comparative study of these two languages, it is helpful to understand the essential features of the language and reveal the deep structure of the Eastern and Western cultures. Studying gender discrimination in English and Chinese languages comprehensively and systematically, which is contrasting the similarities and differences between languages and cultures of English and Chinese, can provide a reference for understanding language, culture, thinking and national psychology. It can also improve the understanding of languages and cultures.

Il disegno e il rilievo nell’età del metaverso: come prima, più di prima

In the Metaverse, our relationship with space will change. We will be able to immerse our- selves in this space physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The line between real and im- aginary will become blurred, allowing us to experience new sensations. As creators in this space, we must consider how we represent reality. Do we depict what we imagine alongside what already exists, or do we need to learn how to convey our emotions, opinions, and ex- periences? How do we do this? Perhaps the answer is to proceed as before, but even more so Historically, in Drawing and Surveying, there has always been an attempt to bring these aspects to the forefront, beyond architecture, beyond the city. The tools may have been in- adequate, but this “moral obligation” has probably always been drawers and surveyors. An illustrative example is when Monge’s methods were being defined scientifically, coinciding with encounters with vastly different people and cultures that were challenging to describe with words. Denon’s drawings were instrumental in helping Europeans immerse them- selves in Middle Eastern culture, showcasing architecture and the people, customs, and aesthetics. It attempted to blend the geometric representation of space with the complexity of an entire “world”. This comprehensive survey aimed to capture the emotional and cul- tural aspects using the most advanced methods and techniques available at the time, even incorporating emerging photography. This is perhaps the role that Drawing and Surveying are expected to play in the age of the Metaverse: to facilitate the expansion of describing the intangible through new systems driven by the same intentions. Today, just like in the past, we need to embrace this task with an even greater emphasis.