Non-cultural Factors Research Articles

Introduction to NJWLS 2020-1

This issue of Nordic Journal of Working Life Studies collects four new articles. In Cultural Obstacles in Transnational Trade Union Cooperation in Europe, Bengt Larsson aims to understand cultural differences that are seen as obstacles to cooperation by trade union representatives. Based on 38 interviews with 46 trade union officials from nine European countries, Larsson identifies the major cultural obstacles for cooperation. Even though noncultural factors – such as financial and network resources, different priorities, and differences in national labor market policies and regulations – are major obstacles for successful cooperation among trade unions, cultural factors play an important role in hampering cooperation. With inspiration from neo-institutional theory and organization theory, Larsson conceptualizes union culture in relation to norms, values, and meanings drawn from broader society. The findings of the study point to language and translation issues, differences experienced in cultural values and everyday practices, and differences in issues relating to ideology and identity regarding member orientation, negotiation, mobilization of members, etc. (...)

PROSES PEMBENTUKAN DATA ARKEOLOGI PADA KAPAL KARAM PULAU NUSA, KEPULAUAN BAWEAN

Indonesian archipelago holds considerably amount of archaeological data includes shipwreck that vary from various periods and types. In Bawean Island, a shipwreck with steamer component indicated from the 19th century named Pulau Nusa was found. In 2016, Pulau Nusa shipwreck was found by Balai Arkeologi Yogyakarta in a fragmentary shape with scattered components. Numbers of scattered components has concreted with coral and the bottom part has gone through sedimentation thus buried in sea floor. This research focused on the underlying process behind the current condition of Pulau Nusa shipwreck. Conducted as an explorative research with inductive reasoning, this research used two main method of analysis, i.e environmental and contextual analysis. These two method of analysis are used to answer the data formation process which divided into two steps, behavioral process (pre-depositional) and transformation process (depositional and post-depositional) along with cultural and noncultural factors that have impact on those process. From the synthesis of two analyses came the conclusion at first the formation of archaeological data influenced by Noncultural transform, but further because it is located in the shallow sea and the existence of human activity due to the economic value of the environment and shipwreck itself, the cultural transformation factor also contributes to the role.

In search of the link between organizational culture and performance

PurposeThe organizational culture–performance link is fundamental to organization development and building a high-performance culture is a responsibility of leaders. The claim of a culture–performance link is most visible in the 1980s (e.g. In Search of Excellence) but is replaced by skepticism by the 1990s. Using conclusion validity as the framework, the purpose of this paper is to synthesize cross-disciplinary literature in organization studies and the emerging sub-field of organizational economics to lay a foundation to establish the link rigorously.Design/methodology/approachThe drivers of conclusion validity – internal validity, external validity and construct validity – guided the literature search and review. The author began with the concepts of organizational culture and performance, examined the organizational economic literature for the causal culture–performance link (internal validity), reviewed the organization studies literature on the debates in the measurement of organizational culture (external and construct validity) and examined the debate if organizational culture can be managed (internal validity).FindingsOrganizational economics (which conceptualizes organizational culture as shared beliefs) shows that cultures that are more homogeneous, encourage teamwork and have a clear mission, enhance organizational performance. In measuring culture, survey instruments using the process-oriented approach can rely on these results to strengthen their construct validity. In the search for the organizational culture–performance link, non-cultural factors affecting performance have to be included as control variables.Practical implicationsThe weaknesses of early research on the organizational culture–performance link become clear when examined with the conclusion validity framework. This clearness shows the way toward a rigorous empirical analysis.Originality/valueThis review provides guidance for researchers to evaluate published studies on the organizational culture–performance link. It also helps researchers to design new studies with stronger conclusion validity.

Competing values in Asian business: evidence from India and Dubai

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the fact that investors in the Asian region are shifting their investments from one country to another, in this case, from India to Dubai, in the real estate and infrastructure industry. While countries compete to get investments, competing “values” at the workplace may also influence in attracting the investments. This paper makes use of competing values framework (CVF) to understand this phenomenon and to provide research evidence about differences in workplace cultures in India and Dubai. It is proposed that differences in workplace cultures, besides other non-cultural factors, may influence this phenomenon of shifting of investments between the two countries. Design/methodology/approach It is an inductive study to investigate why investors are shifting investments from India to Dubai in the real estate and infrastructure industry. This paper further explores literature to support our claim that workplace cultural differences may be responsible for the shifting investments. Next, this paper identifies the instrument called organizational culture assessment instrument using CVF to collect data and plot the cultural profiles at the two country sites. Findings The findings suggest that workplace cultures in the two country locations are different and could be a reason for Indians to shift their investments to Dubai in the real estate and infrastructure sector. There are both cultural and non-cultural factors, which are responsible for the shift in global investments. Research limitations/implications The study has several research implications. It highlights the possibility of a shift in global investments because of cultural and non-cultural differences at the workplace. Specifically, it provides evidence that workplace cultures are different in the two countries and could play a role in the competitiveness of firm and countries. This finding has implications for research in the fields of both strategy and international business.However, this is a preliminary study to explore a recent phenomenon and uses data from only one organization in two countries. Therefore, this paper accepts this as a limitation; however, it creates a potential for further exploration in many directions for future research. Practical implications Managers in multinational firms have to deal with subsidiaries in different countries with different cultures. While culture is not traditionally considered an important factor, the study highlights that it may have far-reaching influences on financial decisions. Therefore, managers need to understand cultures and create strategies to deal with diverse cultures. Originality/value It is perhaps the first attempt to investigate the workplace culture across India and Dubai in the real estate and infrastructure industry through empirical evidence. Further, in the context of shifting global investments across the two countries, it highlights the importance of workplace cultures towards economic and financial implications for countries in the Asian subcontinent.

MENGOMUNIKASIKAN KETELADANAN PANJI

The current proposed discussion is related to the complexity that is analyzed based on the stage of thinking.This happens because the current turn of the era which 'back and forth' turns out into a cultural cross. Not monitoredin detail, followed by a changing educational system, and not necessarily in tune with the needs and expectations ofgenerations of "X" and "Y" in the present. In this connection, the idea of harmony can be learned from variousfolklore, which is common in speech stories or by using role models with the following characteristics; 1) always presentas the savior of the kingdom, 2) a consistent figure in the family (in the world of love and the protection of hisgeneration), 3) the original figure of the archipelago earth, not imported figures. All three of these are in the story / play-story of Folk Art Performing/Panji Tradition. Apresiator Mapping in the Digital Age Culture today and thefuture will be more complex, because it can not be separated from non-cultural factors, such as industry, economics,politics and technology. Therefore, the birth function of Review on Transfer Modes based on consideration is to observethe development of digital technology and information technology, increasingly supporting the transformation (Budiman,2012: ii). Considering ethnic and sub ethnic cultures, the digital age, the transfer of modes and regulations of"Cultural Progress", communicating the Panji Oral Tradition can be carried out as follows; 1) Direct or face-to-facecommunication, by way of storytelling, staging folk/traditional performances, effective in 3 T areas (disadvantaged,leading, marginalized) 2) Media communication, 3) Communication in modern areas/no communication systembarriers.

MENGOMUNIKASIKAN KETELADANAN PANJI

The current proposed discussion is related to the complexity that is analyzed based on the stage of thinking.This happens because the current turn of the era which 'back and forth' turns out into a cultural cross. Not monitoredin detail, followed by a changing educational system, and not necessarily in tune with the needs and expectations ofgenerations of "X" and "Y" in the present. In this connection, the idea of harmony can be learned from variousfolklore, which is common in speech stories or by using role models with the following characteristics; 1) always presentas the savior of the kingdom, 2) a consistent figure in the family (in the world of love and the protection of hisgeneration), 3) the original figure of the archipelago earth, not imported figures. All three of these are in the story / play-story of Folk Art Performing/Panji Tradition. Apresiator Mapping in the Digital Age Culture today and thefuture will be more complex, because it can not be separated from non-cultural factors, such as industry, economics,politics and technology. Therefore, the birth function of Review on Transfer Modes based on consideration is to observethe development of digital technology and information technology, increasingly supporting the transformation (Budiman,2012: ii). Considering ethnic and sub ethnic cultures, the digital age, the transfer of modes and regulations of"Cultural Progress", communicating the Panji Oral Tradition can be carried out as follows; 1) Direct or face-to-facecommunication, by way of storytelling, staging folk/traditional performances, effective in 3 T areas (disadvantaged,leading, marginalized) 2) Media communication, 3) Communication in modern areas/no communication systembarriers.

Introduction to theory of culture-related spatial development

The article presents a theory of cultural and noncultural factors’ influence on spatial development at its current state. The culture of every nation includes both tangible and intangible elements,...

The Chinese and Korean American immigrant experience: a mixed-methods examination of facilitators and barriers of colorectal cancer screening

ABSTRACTObjective: Among Asian Americans, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Despite strong evidence that screening can reduce CRC-related mortality, fewer Chinese and Koreans receive screening as compared to non-Hispanic whites and blacks. The objective of this study was to examine facilitators and barriers as well as strategies to promote CRC screening in this population.Design: This study employed a mixed-methods design. We conducted 17 key informant interviews and 12 focus groups in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. 120 Chinese and Korean focus group participants, aged 50 to 85, also provided quantitative data through self-administered surveys. All participants were asked to discuss facilitators and barriers of CRC screening, including in relation to culture.Results: Participants who had a regular physician and doctor’s recommendation for CRC screening were more likely to ever receive a colonoscopy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26, 9.79 and aOR = 6.61; 95% CI: 2.63, 16.65, respectively). A doctor’s recommendation was also significantly associated with receipt of a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) (aOR = 4.00; 95% CI: 1.43, 11.15). In terms of barriers, those who reported having no time and not having symptoms were less likely to have a colonoscopy (aOR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.82 and aOR = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.23, respectively) than those who had time and symptoms. Preventive healthcare was often not viewed as a priority, particularly for those living the‘immigrant life,’ who gave precedence to work. Cultural barriers to CRC screening included language (e.g. limited English proficiency and low health literacy); fear of finding CRC and burdening the family especially children; fatalism; and stigma towards cancer.Conclusions: Future interventions and programs aiming to increase CRC screening among Chinese and Korean Americans should address both cultural and non-cultural factors that influence CRC screening uptake.

Abstract B73: Examining colorectal cancer screening barriers and facilitators though a cultural lens: A mixed methods study of Chinese and Korean Americans

Abstract Background: Among Asian Americans, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer death. Although screening has been found to significantly reduce CRC mortality, Chinese and Korean Americans continue to report lower CRC screening rates than White and African Americans. Therefore, this study aims to examine the barriers and facilitators of CRC screening, taking into account a cultural perspective, in these underserved populations. Methods: We employed a mixed methods study to gain further understanding regarding CRC screening behaviors among Asian Americans. Specifically, we collected quantitative data through surveys from 120 participants, who were self-identified Chinese and Korean Americans, aged 50 years and over. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was conducted to analyze survey data, independently assessing for receipt of colonoscopy and fecal occult blood test (FOBT). In addition, qualitative data from 17 key informant interviews (with physicians, health department employees, patient navigators, and community leaders) and 12 focus groups (n=120) were transcribed, translated to English, back-translated to ensure accuracy, coded, and analyzed for salient themes. Results: Based on focus group findings, major cultural themes influencing CRC screening included language- and health-related attitudes and beliefs. In particular, participants identified having limited English proficiency, low health literacy, and reliance on children for translation as being key barriers. Thus, participants emphasized the importance of having linguistically appropriate services, such as patient navigators. Additional barriers included fearing a CRC diagnosis, having fatalistic views of CRC, and facing stigma towards cancer. In addition, quantitative analysis found that individuals who believed screening is not needed when asymptomatic were less likely to receive a colonoscopy (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.02; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.002-0.23) and FOBT (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.03-0.72). These findings were supported by key informants and focus group participants, who expressed that Chinese and Koreans often times do not prioritize preventive healthcare and believe that seeking healthcare is not necessary when symptoms are not noticeable. Moreover, this study corroborated previous findings of non-cultural factors influencing CRC screening such as cost, insurance, knowledge, and time -some of which were influenced by underlying cultural attitudes and beliefs. Patient-physician communication was another key influential factor. For instance, those having a doctor talk about [(OR: 6.1; 95% CI: 2.4-15.4) for colonoscopy; (OR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.1-8.5) for FOBT)] or recommend CRC screening [(OR: 6.6; 95% CI: 2.6-16.7) for colonoscopy; (OR: 4.0; 95% CI: 1.4-11.2) for FOBT)] were more likely to have received screening. Conclusions: Receipt of CRC screening is influenced by cultural and non-cultural factors, both of which need to be addressed in order to increase screening uptake among Chinese and Korean Americans. These findings can inform the development of more effective CRC screening programs and interventions that are culturally and linguistically tailored to these populations. Citation Format: Sunmin Lee, Mary Jung, Xiaoxiao Lu, Jamie Sim, Diane Ng. Examining colorectal cancer screening barriers and facilitators though a cultural lens: A mixed methods study of Chinese and Korean Americans. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B73.

National habitus: an antidote to the resilience of Hofstede’s “national culture”?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to scrutinize Geert Hofstede’s conceptualization of national culture and provide an alternative beyond purely constructivist conceptualizations of culture for cross-cultural management scholars and practitioners. Design/methodology/approach – Hofstede’s conceptualization of national culture is discussed and criticized. Subsequently, alternatives are being discussed. Eventually, a more feasible alternative is suggested and the ways in which it can be applied are briefly mentioned. Findings – Several objections to Hofstede’s idea and measurement of national culture are listed: it assumes people are cultural dopes, it ignores the influence of non-cultural factors, it reifies culture, it assumes internal coherence, it does not account for change, it arbitrarily uses the nation-state as the preferred locus of culture, and it has an in-built Western bias. Several authors have argued for a constructivist conceptualization of culture, which sees culture as a repertoire, from which ideas and possible actions can be selected. The downside, however, is that it has no practical value for managers. In an attempt to solve this, the paper explores the possibilities of using the concept of national habitus, which shows how dispositions are shaped on a national level and how these dispositions change under the influence of other, non-national social forces. Practical implications – The paper briefly explores how a national habitus-centered approach can help cross-cultural managers. Originality/value – The paper’s added value lies in the use of a relatively recently extended sociological concept for cross-cultural management.

Abstract A45: Low English language facility, depression, and cancer screening among Latina breast cancer survivors

Abstract Background: Depression has repeatedly been shown to be a barrier to cancer survivorship behavior. Depressed survivors appear to be unable to effectively follow health-related practices, whether directly recommended by health care providers or self-indicated. In addition to depression-related barriers, some cancer survivors are further inhibited by socioeconomic and cultural factors characteristic of ethnic minorities, especially Low English language facility. Here we sought to identify factors influencing Latina breast cancer survivors' behavior involving screening for other possible cancer, emphasizing the complex interplay of cultural and non-cultural factors in breast cancer survivorship. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 117 Latina breast cancer survivors reported demographic measures, perceived barriers to health care, acculturation and depression. Low English language facility was determined utilizing Marin's short acculturation scale for Hispanics. Depression was measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D). Chi-squared and T-tests were used to identify the association of outcomes with Low English language facility, depression and other potential influences. Multiple logistic regression was used to construct models of Latina breast cancer survivor behavior relative to their obtaining colorectal and ovarian screening. Results: Only 12.8% and 32.5% of all women obtained ovarian or colorectal screening, respectively. 51% spoke little or no English. 31.6% scored above the threshold for depression, 50.0% were characterized by Low English language facility, and 22.2% were both depressed and experienced Low English language facility. Of depressed women, 10.8% and 27.0% obtained either screening. Of Low English language facility women, 11.9% and 33.9% were screened for ovarian or colorectal abnormalities. 7.7% and 23.1% of women who were both depressed and Low English language facility received ovarian or colorectal screening. In multivariate analysis, depression, Low English language facility, generational status, sociodemographic characteristics and socioeconomic barriers were inversely associated with screening. There was no interactive effect of Low English language facility and depression. Conclusions: Low rates of ovarian and colorectal screening in Latina breast cancer survivors involve both cultural and non-cultural influences, particularly Low English language facility and depression. These occur at varying conceptual proximity to actual behavior. Interventions to recruit and retain breast cancer survivors to interventions as well as improve health care among them must address both Low English language facility and the effects of depression, especially among Latinas or other non-English speakers. Citation Format: Alan E C Holden, Pamela Otto, Kipling Gallion, Amelie G. Ramirez. Low English language facility, depression, and cancer screening among Latina breast cancer survivors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A45.

Are Japanese Households Financially Healthy, and If so, Why? A Group of Seven (G7) Comparison

In this paper, I conduct an international comparison of the financial health of households using data on household wealth and indebtedness for the Group of Seven (G7) countries and show that, even though household borrowings in Japan were the highest among the G7 countries, at least until 2000, household assets were also high in Japan, as a result of which household net worth and financial health in Japan were among the highest in the G7 countries. Turning to long-term trends in Japan over time, I find that Japan has shown a sharp increase over time in household borrowing, at least until 2000, and a sharp increase over time in both household assets and household net worth, at least until 1990. It is not clear whether the greater financial health of Japanese households is due more to culture or to government policies, institutions, and other non-cultural factors, but it appears that long-term trends over time in household assets, liabilities, and net worth in Japan can be explained much better by non-cultural factors than by culture.

To prosper, organizational psychology should… adopt a global perspective

AbstractWe argue that for the field of organizational psychology to prosper, it must adopt a global perspective. In this article, we discuss three specific ideals for a more global organizational psychology, our progress toward these ideals (or lack thereof), and potential solutions to move toward a truly global science. First, we argue that a truly global organizational psychology must incorporate global voices. Yet cross‐cultural research in organizational psychology still remains largely a U.S. export business wherein the very questions we ask are colored by Western assumptions and values which are then explored to other cultures. To be a global science, we must acknowledge that the questions we ask are value‐laden, and we must ensure that the questions we ask to have global relevance. Second, a truly global organizational psychology must articulate with precision the level at which culture operates. Yet the level at which culture is defined varies widely across studies and levels of analysis confusion abounds in the literature. We discuss a number of conceptualizations and measures of culture and suggest the conditions under which each may be warranted. Third, a truly global organizational psychology must advance an understanding of when culture matters. Despite abundant evidence that behavior in organizations is influenced by multiple contextual factors (e.g., the work team, organization, industry), we have little understanding of how national culture and non‐cultural factors jointly influence behavior in organizations. We discuss several promising models to guide such efforts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Editorial

Editorial

Mergers and acquisitions across European borders: National perspectives on preacquisition due diligence and the use of professional advisers

Recent years have seen a huge growth in European cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and considerable attention has been given to how such deals arise and are completed. However, most theoretical emphasis has been placed upon noncultural factors although it is increasingly recognized in other spheres of management theory that management styles and business performance cannot be separated out from national or regional cultural influence. As a consequence, this exploratory study focuses upon the influence of national differences in business culture upon preacquisition management. In this paper we report the findings of a large-scale exploratory survey into whether such cultural differences are reflected in different perceptions of the value of due diligence and the use of professional advisors in the preacquisition phase. The findings suggest that national cultural differences do play an important role in affecting acquirer’s perceptions of target companies and we suggest that this may have important consequences for the negotiation of deals and the subsequent management of the postacquisition phase.

The Role of Bone Density in Structuring Prehistoric Salmon Bone Assemblages

Archaeologists working in north-western North America often suggest that the low frequency of salmon cranial elements and abundance of vertebrae in prehistoric deposits reflects the cultural use of stored fish. While empirical documentation of salmon storage is certainly important, a variety of noncultural factors, particularly bone density, should be considered in interpreting body part frequencies. Bone densities of representative cranial and postcranial elements from 10 chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) were measured using X-ray absorptiometry. Except for the otolith, most cranial elements have lower densities than postcranial bones. The role of bone density in structuring prehistoric salmon assemblages is explored through comparisons of density measures with element survivorships in three archaeological assemblages with low cranial element survivorship. The scarcity of cranial elements in two of the assemblages is best explained by density-mediated destruction, while cultural processing probably accounts for the dearth of head bones in the third assemblage.

Cultural and Noncultural Factors as Determinants of Caregiver Burden for the Impaired Elderly in South Korea

This study investigated the determining variables of caregiver burden in caring for impaired older relatives in South Korea. Economic factors, daily caregiving hours, and caregiver's health status emerged as the most important determinants of caregiver burden in Korea. Though not a powerful predictor, caregivers' congruency with the traditional caregiver selection norms remained a statistically significant predictor of certain dimensions of caregiver burden.

» Le phénomène bureaucratique « et le Canada français: quelques données empiriques et leur interprétation

AbstractDrawing from the organizational behaviour that is described in Michel Crozier's Bureaucratic Phenomenon, two similar public service organizations, one (anglophone) in Ontario, one (francophone) in Quebec are compared. Even if the type of behaviour found in The Bureaucratic Phenomenon is quite sensitive to noncultural factors (sex, organizational level, type of work), francophones correspond more closely than their anglophone counterparts to certain types of behaviour found in Crozier's descriptions. Data collected are compared to those in other studies, both empirical and historical, and different hypotheses are examined to explain certain similarities that exist between organizational behaviour in French Canada and in continental France.

CULTURAL VARIATION IN PERSONAL NAME PATTERNS IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES

The hypothesis that patterns in choice of given-names may prove to be the single most nearly ideal measure for analyzing spatial and temporal variation in total cultural systems has been explored through the statistical manipulation of sample data on frequency of principal male names in sixteen counties in the Eastern United States in 1790 and 1968. This material appears to meet quite admirably at least five of the criteria for such a measure: ubiquity, durability, simplicity, purity (freedom from contamination by noncultural factors), and accessibility. Regionalization of the sample counties by numerical taxonomy and the use of factor analysis confirmed and extended previous published statements about the existence of three basic early American culture areas: New England, the Midland, and the South. Factor analysis of personal name variance also indicated a number of structural elements—temporal, ethnic, religious, and residential—in addition to the regional, and the possibility that their further study might be geographically rewarding. The problem of whether different American places are becoming more or less alike culturally was tested, and the results lean toward the convergence hypothesis although the findings are still ambiguous.