Cultural Shape Research Articles

The Role of Water in Hospitality: A Comparative Analysis of the Kyrgyz Conceptual Worldview

This paper explores the role of water in Kyrgyz culture, examining its significance in the context of globalization and its implications for the hospitality industry. Drawing from cultural practices involving water as a symbol of hospitality, we explore how cultural sensitivity and understanding shape cross-cultural communication and influence employee and tourist behavior in the hospitality. Through an analysis of traditional customs and proverbs related to water, we seek to provide a deeper understanding of the role of water in fostering hospitality and building connections in a globalized world.

Influence of Chinese cultural values on consumer decision-making: A PRISMA-based systematic review

Employing the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) methodology, this study provides an incisive exploration into the nexus between traditional Chinese cultural values and their impact on consumer decision-making processes. The central objective was to ascertain the degree to which these ingrained cultural values shape purchasing behaviors. Our systematic review discerns a pronounced effect of these cultural tenets on consumer choices within the Chinese market. It reveals that the purchasing decisions of Chinese consumers are inextricably linked to specific cultural value orientations. For enterprises seeking to penetrate or thrive in this market, a nuanced comprehension of these cultural dimensions is imperative for crafting successful marketing strategies and customer engagement approaches. The findings of this research are instrumental in offering crucial insights for aligning business strategies with the unique preferences and behavioral patterns of Chinese consumers.

Supplemental Material for Culture Shapes Moral Reasoning About Close Others

Supplemental Material for Culture Shapes Moral Reasoning About Close Others

Siblings, comrades, friends: Kin(g)ship, hierarchy, and equality in Thailand’s youth struggle for democracy

AbstractThis article provides an innovative anthropological analysis of youth activism in contemporary Thailand by examining its past and current manifestations through an unusual theoretical nexus—that between (cosmological) politics and kinship tropes. Against the backdrop of the Buddhist kingdom’s long-standing cult of the ‘Father-King’, the article focuses on the 2020 Thai democracy movement in relation to student demonstrations in the 1970s. It aims to explore the ambiguous permutations in the meanings of kinship that have marked Thai young people’s democratic engagement in a range of social fields—including friendship, siblinghood, and comradeship. Drawing upon archival material, oral histories of student revolts, and extended ethnography with today’s youth activists in a number of political sites—anti-government rallies, universities, and private homes—the article reveals how kin relationships, hierarchies, and affects are entangled in diverse political formations of youth dissent. Through a detailed reading of these complex entanglements, it shows how relationships of ‘equal friendship’ and ‘hierarchical siblinghood’ substantiate the symbolic grounds of Thai youth activism, as conflicting instantiations of ‘filial insubordination’ to monarchical parenthood. While youth activists advocate for an egalitarian, ‘friendship-based’ polity, explicitly questioning the democratic viability of Thailand’s Buddhist kin(g)ship, they are simultaneously caught up in (seemingly inescapable) hierarchical sibling relationships that validate the latter’s ontological legitimacy in practice, generating subtle tensions. It is argued that attention given to the varied cultural shapes of these tensions can make it possible to unearth the deep, kinship-based core of Thai social conflict that is concealed beneath public forms and straightforward political stances.

CULTURAL DETERMINANTS OF LEADERSHIP IN ORGANIZATIONS

This article explores how cultural factors shape leadership in organizations. The aim of the article is to show the cultural determinants in the organization by presenting the changes which have taken place in understanding the essence of leadership, taking into account the close historical perspective and research presenting a new perspective on the subject of leadership in the context of technological changes and related changes in the worldview. It also allows us to point out certain implications for business practice, mainly concerning the shaping of leaders' attitudes, organizational cultures and directions for the development of desirable leadership attitudes in the cultural context. The article was prepared on the basis of studies of the literature on the subject and available research in this area. The research employs various methods, including literature reviews, analyses of empirical studies, with particular emphasis on the Organizational Culture Inventory (OCI) and Deloitte's report on contemporary management trends. In conclusion, leadership significantly influences organizational culture, reflecting leaders' value, approaches and shaping the organization's norms, values, and employee engagement. Building a culture aligned with strategic objectives is crucial, and leaders should identify and implement cultural elements which support adaptability and engagement, ultimately contributing to the organization's efficiency.

Does farming culture shape household financial decisions?

Historical rice cultivation practices have shaped cultural norms that significantly affect households' risk-taking behavior today. Using national survey data from over 90,000 Chinese households and a quasi-experimental design, we find that these culturally induced behaviors, in turn, contribute to significant economic differences at a large scale. Our tests show that households in regions with a higher historical rate of rice cultivation are more likely to invest in the financial market and buy lottery tickets, but less likely to buy insurance. The underlying mechanism is that collectivist rice agricultural practices increase trust, social capital, and social connections, and even allow for societal members to borrow without interest. Additional tests show that our findings are not driven by regional economic growth, government-provided social safety nets, Confucian values, or ethnic diversity. These deep-rooted, ancient practices have important policy implications for leaders in collectivist cultures trying to rectify behavioral biases in household financial decisions.

The Role of Javanese Women in Domestic and Public Spheres: Challenges, Trade Motives, and Parenting Practices

Purpose – This study aims to explore the dual role of Javanese women who engage in trade at traditional markets and their role as mothers in parenting practices. Design/methods/approach – Employing qualitative research with an ethnographic approach, this study gathered primary data from interviews with Javanese women traders at the Karangawen traditional market, who have children aged 0–8 years. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentation. This was followed by a descriptive analysis of the findings. Findings – The study identifies three main motives for Javanese women trading in traditional markets: self-actualization, economic needs, and the pursuit of independence. Additionally, the study reveals various aspects of parenting practices among Javanese women. These include practices such as bancaan weton lair, weton lair fasting, and infant massage. Research implications/limitations – The research is constrained to a descriptive analysis, focusing on a limited data set regarding the roles of Javanese women as traders in the public sphere and as mothers in the domestic sphere. Practical implications – The study highlights the dual role of rural women, who are active in both the public sphere (through trading) and the domestic sphere (through parenting). This dual engagement reflects the multifaceted nature of their daily lives. Originality/value – The study underscores how culture, economy, and social environment shape parenting practices among Javanese women. Paper type Research paper

Gender Differences in Body Satisfaction Perception: The Role of Nutritional Habits, Psychological Traits, and Physical Activity in a Strength-Training Population.

The objective of this study is to examine gender disparities in body satisfaction perception, emphasizing the influence of nutritional habits, psychometric assessments, levels of physical activity, and health-related metrics. Employing a sample of 605 strength-trained participants (385 males and 224 females), aged between 20 and 35 years, and regularly engaged in strength training, we conducted a thorough analysis using Google Forms. We evaluated variables including age, anthropometric data, resistance training frequency, food consumption patterns, and psychological profiles. Our findings indicate significant gender-based differences in body satisfaction perception. Females tend to overestimate their muscular size and express heightened concern regarding gluteal shape, while males exhibit a more realistic self-perception, primarily focused on hip width. Dietary patterns also display gender-specific tendencies; females prefer healthier options like vegetables, whereas males consume more milk, fermented products, and carbohydrates. Hydration practices diverge as well, with females showing higher water intake in contrast to males' preference for alcoholic and carbonated beverages. Psychologically, males demonstrate greater extroversion, while females exhibit higher conscientiousness, openness, and a tendency toward negative thoughts and anxiety. Regarding physical activity, females engage in training sessions with greater volume compared to males. This study highlights the intricate interplay of social, cultural, and personal factors shaping gender-specific perceptions of body satisfaction and their subsequent impact on health and lifestyle choices. These insights pave the way for future specialized interventions and research, underscoring the importance of understanding gender-specific nuances to promote healthy body satisfaction and self-perception.

Terracotta in Architecture: Overview on Historical and Contemporary Practice in Bangladesh

Although Terracotta is one of the oldest in almost all sub-continents and was spread out across the whole world now-a-days it has been a common, traditional, and indigenous object in Bangladesh for everyday life. Inspired by the religion or rituals, terracotta art has evolved in many ways in Bengal over time. From Babylon walls to high-performance rain screens, terracotta claddings have proven repeatedly to be technologically superior and aesthetically rich. Realizing the evolution of terracotta prepares architects to add new, creative chapters to a superior history. Through an extensive inventory of recent examples, project case studies and architectural details, this study provides a foundation for understanding the nature of the material and the opportunities it offers in the urban life. The objective of the paper is to know the evolution of terracotta as a historic, artistic and cultural materials and shapes of objects with aesthetical and technical aspects that plays an important role for place making in both exterior and interior of architectural design and building practice. The paper explores the evolution of terracotta in Bangladesh and prepares architects and builders to make new, creative uses of the timeless material. Validating the examples of expressive possibilities, this precious study can be an inspiration for students and professionals alike who are interested in creating sustainable spaces by using visual and cultural components.

Conceptual review of symbolic cultural practices in children's racial/ethnic identity: Making room for mixed methods inquiry

AbstractObjectiveChildren are shaped by familial, cultural, societal, and environmental factors that impact development across multiple domains, contexts, and ecological systems. This conceptual review examines studies that address how symbolic cultural practices shape racial/ethnic identity development in early childhood (ages 3–6).MethodTwelve key extant studies across qualitative (n = 4), quantitative (n = 5), and mixed (n = 3) methodological approaches that concern the use of symbolic cultural practices for early childhood racial/ethnic identity development were reviewed. Our review adopted an interdisciplinary approach, bringing perspectives from developmental psychology, family science, research methods, and education policy. We oriented our review to address the contributions of symbolic cultural practices to children's hope and happiness undergirded by their racial/ethnic identity development.ResultsStudies across all methodological disciplines were useful in moving the field forward however, we argue that mixed methods studies are particularly consequential due to their ability to account for the highly contextualized experiences of healthy early childhood racial/ethnic socialization via symbolic cultural practices.ConclusionWe also suggest that mixed methods lend more holistic explanations of connections between early childhood racial/ethnic socialization and symbolic cultural practices and promote mixed methods approaches as the most promising way to investigate the role of symbols in positive racial/ethnic socialization and identity development of young children in future research.ImplicationsHenceforth, we suggest that practitioners' understanding of the racial and ethnic identities of young children will be more holistic when approached from a mixed methods lens, and therefore, practitioner–child interactions will be more constructive.

Influence of culture on disease perception

This scientific paper explores the complex relationship between culture, health, and disease, highlighting how cultural beliefs and practices shape perceptions of health and illness. Culture is described as a complex system of knowledge and customs transmitted from generation to generation, encompassing language, customs, and values. The paper emphasizes that concepts of health and disease can vary significantly across cultures. Different cultural backgrounds lead to diverse interpretations of what constitutes health or illness. Cultural beliefs influence how individuals perceive their health and respond to medical interventions. The text examines the example of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which differs from Western medicine by focusing on restoring balance and harmonizing energies within the body. The contrast between these two medical paradigms highlights the impact of culture on healthcare approaches. The paper also discusses the cultural acceptance of practices that may be harmful to health, such as incest in certain societies. These practices are considered sacred customs within those cultures, reflecting how cultural ideologies can shape disease risks. Furthermore, the paper explores how cultural factors interact with political and economic forces to create specific health risks and behaviors within societies. It emphasizes that culture plays a pivotal role in shaping human behavior and social acceptance. The paper concludes by emphasizing the enduring influence of culture on perceptions of health and disease throughout history, highlighting how cultural beliefs and practices continue to impact individuals' health experiences and outcomes.

Cultural Impact on Human Resource Management Practices in Pakistan

This study investigates the relationship between cultural norms and HRM strategies in Pakistan. It examines key cultural dimensions like power distance, collectivism, and gender roles, and their impact on HRM practices such as recruitment and performance management. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the research reveals how cultural practices influence organizational behavior, communication, and conflict resolution. It stresses the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptation in HRM to align with organizational goals. Findings emphasize the need for tailored HRM approaches that embrace cultural diversity while meeting organizational objectives. By addressing cultural nuances, this study aims to foster inclusive, culturally competent workplaces in Pakistan. Ultimately, it seeks to enhance understanding of how culture shapes HRM in Pakistan, offering valuable insights for organizations navigating diverse cultural environments.

Religion and human flourishing

ABSTRACT Can religion promote human flourishing? Existing research says yes. However, this work has largely been done within ‘WEIRD’ and Christian contexts. Might the reasons why or the answer be different elsewhere? Here, we outline how religion can contribute to flourishing among individuals and cultures using a cross-cultural approach. In five sections, we cover how religion and culture shape meaning in life, character/virtue, positive emotion, social relationships, and physical/mental health. We emphasize how little these relationships have been studied around the world and why the relationship between religion and flourishing, especially, would be aided by a cross-cultural look. We close with future directions in the study of religion and flourishing, with special attention to how and why this relationship may vary across cultural and religious groups.

Shaping of the safety culture in road transport – Diagnosis and perspectives for development in the area of education policy

The research objective of this article is to determine the possibilities to influence the shaping of the safety culture in road transport, taking into account the education policy of the state. As a result, the research problem is as follows: "What are the possibilities of effective shaping of the safety culture in transport by the state?". Therefore, a hypothesis was put forward, which comes down to the statement that the most effective way of shaping the safety culture in transport is to pursue an appropriate education policy. To achieve such a research objective, answer the research question and confirm the hypothesis, a range of theoretical research methods were applied, including comparison, analysis of literature, analysis of legal acts, synthesis and analysis, inference (induction and deduction), and abstraction.

Studium historyczne na Wydziale Humanistycznym Uniwersytetu Stefana Batorego w Wilnie (1919–1939)

The operations at the University in Vilnius, reactivated in 1919, were stabilized only after the Polish-Bolshevik War and the incorporation of the Vilnius Region into the Commonwealth in 1922. Over the majority of functioning, the SBU's authorities encountered issues with maintaining the full staffing. The positions adequately filled were limited to those within the Department of Polish History, the Department of Modern History, the Department of Medieval History and Auxiliary Sciences of History, and the Department of Eastern-European History. Stanisław Kościałkowski, Felix Koneczny, Kazimierz Chodynicki, Ryszard Mienicki, Janusz Iwaszkiewicz, Teofil Emil Modelski, Stanisław Zajączkowski, and Henryk Łowmiański are among the notable representatives of Vilnius' Clio that need to be mentioned. Despite continuous development, the University had a regional character. Both the academic studies and programs offered by the historical departments were focused on the history of Eastern Europe, notably on Polish-Moscow relations and the history of Lithuania, specifically the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Vilnius. The academia remained overshadowed by national universities. However, it was perceived as a vital institution by the Kingdom of Poland and the citizens of Vilnius, having a significant impact on the shape of Polish identity and culture.

Promoting a circular economy by developing new gastronomic products from brassica non‐edible leaves

SummaryThis study aims to apply circular economy principles by reintroducing discarded Brassica leaves into the value chain as innovative products. Non‐edible leaves of three Brassica varieties were used to develop kombucha, a fermented beverage with health benefits. The fermentation time (9 days), temperature (25 °C), starter culture, and container shape (2 L round‐shape glass jar) influenced the beverage's physicochemical properties, including pH, vitamin content, polyphenols, and sugar levels. Different Brassica varieties showed various effects on antioxidant capacity and polyphenol content during fermentation, with potential implications for microbial engagement. Sensory analysis revealed differences in appearance, colour, aroma, and taste between black tea and Brassica samples, which are due to glucosinolates and volatile compounds, thus providing opportunities for improving consumer acceptability through flavour masking. Overall, this work showcases the potential of using non‐edible Brassica by‐products and highlights the potential of fermented beverages like kombucha to address food waste and promote value addition from otherwise discarded plant parts.

INFLUENCES OF CULTURAL VALUES ON THE INDIGENOUS DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS’ EXPERIENCE

Abstract This symposium will outline and discuss the unique circumstances and challenges of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander dementia caregivers. Dementia is one of the top causes of death worldwide, with Alzheimer’s disease currently being the ninth leading cause of death among American Indian and Alaska Native people (AI/AN). One in three American Indians and Alaska Natives over 65 will receive a dementia diagnosis in the next 25 years. Yet, we know very little about caregivers’ experiences in these communities. Presenters will present on how cultural influences shape caregiver’s experiences within American and Alaska Native, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. The second presenter will discuss the need for culturally safe dementia caregiver resources based on recommendations from Alaska Native caregivers. The third presenter will examine decision-making processes of dementia caregiver involved in the use of governmental and tribal dementia care resources within the ONEIDA Nation to improve utilization of existing services.

THE ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND CHALLENGES JOURNALISTS FACE IN PRACTICING PEACE JOURNALISM IN ENGLISH AND URDU NEWSPAPERS DURING PAKISTAN'S CURRENT POLITICAL CLIMATE

Pakistan's media landscape can be easily divided into Urdu and English streams. Since Urdu is Pakistan’s national language and is spoken throughout the country, so Urdu journalism finds a wide readership. Meanwhile, the readers of English journalism are limited to upper-middle and resourceful circles. Both streams appear to follow different foci and working styles. During the past few years (2018-2023), in the polarized situation of Pakistani politics, both media streams performed differently, which has caused ethical considerations and challenges for journalists in practicing peace journalism. The study focuses on the ethical challenges faced by Pakistani journalists engaged in peace journalism, particularly within the context of the political climate prevalent in the country for the selected period (2018-2023). Drawing from Lynch and McGoldrick (2005), this study explores how language barriers and cultural differences shape journalists' approaches to peace journalism in Pakistan. By employing in-depth interviews with journalists of Urdu and English journalistic streams, we also seek to understand the ethical considerations and challenges journalists face practicing peace journalism in English and Urdu newspapers in Pakistan's current political climate.

Organisational culture and balanced scorecard

This study aims to identify and characterize the culture of the largest exporters without the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) and with the BSC implemented. In addition, it confirms whether there are different characteristics in the type of organizational culture of the largest exporters without the BSC and with the BSC. To achieve this objective, data were collected through questionnaires sent to the 250 largest exporters in Portugal. Multivariate statistical techniques were used to validate the research hypotheses. This research shows that the Adhocracy (turbulent management) culture type prevails in organizations without BSC, while the Market (productivity) culture type prevails in organizations with BSC. The study is based on the characterization of the culture type of the organizations. This characterization is significant because organizational culture shapes and differentiates organizations’ actions, goal definitions, and strategic objectives, which can affect organizational performance. Although recent literature has addressed organizational culture and performance monitoring in isolation, not many studies have been found that link the topics of organizational culture, BSC, and performance.

Greening the economy: how culture values shape environmental policies in America and Europe.

This research explores the theory that cultural factors shape how people feel about the environment. Both theoretical and empirical approaches are used in our investigation of this problem. In the theoretical part of the study, we provide a model for transferring cultural practices from one generation to the next. To provide empirical evidence for the existence of this cultural factor in environmental views, we analyze survey data from the European Values Research. Using a comparative method, we use differences caused by migration patterns in Europe and America. According to our research, cultural influences on migrants' ecological beliefs are long-lasting and statistically significant. Variations in migrants' environmental views may be traced back to societal norms that endure in their home countries. We also demonstrate that ecological views are robust in the face of incentives originating from the external environment, demonstrating that migrants' choices in the host nation are not much influenced by the environmental circumstances they were exposed to in their home countries. We uncover fascinating variations in the cultural transfer procedure, and our results hold up under various hypotheses. These findings suggest that, in light of the prevalence of ecological problems requiring community action, it is crucial to formulate policies that consider the factors that led to the development of ecological cultures.