Ethnocentrism: Major Effects on Organizational Behavior
Abstract
This research paper defines the term ethnocentrism as a means to make assumptions or
judgments about other cultures from ones own point of view. This paper details the various
problems that an ethnocentric view presents when dealing with different cultures. The
effects of cultural diversity on organizational behavior are complex and powerful. This
paper will also explain that a diverse workforce, which represents a changing world and
marketplace, is important to organizations in the creation of competitive environment and
an enhancement of work productivity. Increasingly, more and more large corporations are
implementing diversity training programs to educate employees and managers alike as to
the advantages and benefits of a diverse workforce.
The Definition of Ethnocentrism
Encyclopedia Britannica (2000) states that Ethnocentrism derives from the Greek word
Ethnos meaning race, people or cultural group, and Kentrikos meaning concentrated about
or directed to a center is a word that greatly describes many cultures. Ethnocentrism is a
controversial issue which has been present for millennia. It has occurred all over the world,
and has taken many different forms. Ethnocentrism is generally defined as the popular
belief that the ethnicity of a person is superior (or more central to the Human Race as a
whole) than any other ethnicity. Ethnocentrism keeps us from learning more about other
cultures as well as learning more about ourselves. We as humans are ethnocentric. We
make false assumptions based on our limited experiences. If our own experience is the
only reality we have, then it is normal to assume it is the natural basis or reality as we
believe our own ways work for us. This research paper will discuss cultural ethnocentrism,
the negative effects of ethnocentrism, culture and cultural differences, ethnocentrism and
globalization, cross cultural communication and managing and valuing diversity in the
workplace.
Understanding Culture
Culture in general is concerned with beliefs and values on the basis of which people
interpret experiences and behave, individually and in groups. Broadly and simply put,
culture refers to a group or community with which you share common experiences that
shape the way you understand the world (Hofstede, 1980). On the other hand Maehr
(1974) acknowledges that, even with rigorous study, we can only make statements about
elements of culture, not culture in its entirety. The approach which Maehr recommends for
inquiring about culture is an iterative, clinical approach, similar to a therapeutic
relationship between a psychologist and a patient. Maehrs disciplined approach to culture
stands in contrast to the way in which culture is referred to in some of the popular
management magazines.
The need to understand cultural differences is obvious today. Many societies are
multicultural, and many people and organizations collaborate across geographic and
cultural boundaries. Although it is typical for people to see themselves as unique (Reed,
1986) and to be somewhat ethnocentric, ethnocentrism is not a good strategy for the future.
According to Adler (1997) ethnocentrism is assuming that they ways of your culture are
the best ways of doing things. A person with ethnocentric perspective neither recognizes
other peoples different ways of living and working nor appreciates that such differences
have serious consequences.
Today we live in a world that is somehow smaller than it used to be. New communication
technology (e.g. email and the WWW) has made it easier to a certain extent to cross
previous boundaries and communicate across time and space. However, the new
technology does not necessarily make it easier to collaborate and communicate inter
culturally. To effectively collaborate and communicate we have to share meanings. This
often requires that we understand cultural differences and share cultural information.
Positive and Negative Traits of Ethnocentrism
Although ethnocentrism is generally thought to be a negative trait, Sharma, Shimp, and
Shin (1995) argue that ethnocentrism fosters in * group survival, solidarity, conformity,
cooperation, loyalty, and effectiveness. In Sharma, Shimp, and Shin (1995), Shimp argued
that
ethnocentrism is said to be a manifestation of authoritarianism, and that authoritarianism
is a personality defect, based on pervasive and rigid in * group * out * group distinction;
it involves stereotyped negative imagery, and hostile attitudes regarding out * groups,
stereotyped positive imagery and submissive attitudes regarding in * groups, and a
hierarchical, authoritarian view of group interaction in which in * groups are rightly
dominant, out * groups are subordinate.
In related research, Taylor and Jaggi (1974) introduced a phenomenon called ethnocentric
attributional bias. According to Taylor and Jaggi (1974), ethnocentric construct internal
attributions for a positive behavior of in * group members while making external
attributions for their negative behavior. For example, if in * group members perform well
on some task, the attribution is that they possess the essential ingredients to accomplish
such a task (e.g., theyre smart, theyre hard workers, etc.). Yet, if in * group members
perform marginally on some task, the fault lies elsewhere (e.g., trick questions, bad call by
the umpire, etc.). On the contrary, external attributions are made for the positive behavior
of out- group members (e.g., they got lucky) while internal attributions are made for their
negative behavior (e.g., theyre born liars.)
Understanding Culture and Cultural Differences
Culture in general is concerned with beliefs and values on the basis of which people
interpret experiences and behave, individually and in groups. Broadly and simply put,
culture refers to a group or community with which you share common experiences that
shape the way you understand the world (Hofstede, 1980). A person can belong to several
different cultures depending on his or her birthplace; nationality; ethnicity; family status;