This paper attempts to bring a clearer view on the cross cultural studies in the light of its methodology, which has been derived from anthropological studies (Gillies, 2010). A theoretical analysis, based on publications and articles indicates that cross-cultural studies are grounded in social sciences and humanities but the cross cultural methodology transcends scientific field divisions.
Cross-cultural studies are defined as a field of study which deals with an interaction between different cultures, often in a business environment. J. Jeanty (2011) claims advances of communications technology have increased the speed of this process, resulting in opening the borders and global population getting closer. As a result, globalization sets into motion an increasing amount of interactions between people whose cultural backgrounds are different. Cross cultural studies, therefore, comprise areas of sociology, psychology, economics and political sciences in order to scrutinize human behaviour and verify theories about the culture and reasoning behind human actions.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Literature review
3. Qualitative and quantitative research
4. Discussion
5. Conclusion
Objectives & Topics
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of cross-cultural studies by examining the methodological foundations derived from anthropological research and evaluating the efficacy of different research approaches in a globalized context.
- Historical development of cross-cultural studies at major academic institutions.
- Methodological contributions of key figures such as Clyde Kluckhohn, Franz Boas, and Bronisław Malinowski.
- Comparison between qualitative ethnographic methods and quantitative statistical analysis.
- The impact of culture on group performance and economic dynamics.
- Unification of research methods through a holistic interdisciplinary approach.
Excerpt from the book
Qualitative and quantitative research
At this point Bronisław Malinowski’s work comes across. Malinowski is considered to be one of most talented anthropologists due to the methodical and well theorized approach of the study of social systems (Young, 2004).
This skilled ethnographer is one of the first to believe in the importance of the detailed participant observation, as well as a thorough interview followed by mixing with its subject. Malinowski believed in the act of experiencing the everyday life with them, and he stressed that anthropologists should have day to day contact with their informants, which can lead to a better understanding of a different culture. Participant observation is, therefore, a crucial data collection method done in the qualitative research. Malinowski believed that getting close and initiating an intimate familiarity with a certain group of individuals was more beneficial for the core of the study rather than doing the fieldwork through interviews without such a private relation.
As qualitative research developed, a new scientist appeared – Geert Hofstede. He carried out a series of studies trying to determine the relation between the culture and values in the workplace. Hofstede claimed to have discovered four (which later became five) dimensions of national culture, according to which countries can be categorized, thus establishing a new paradigm for taking account of cultural elements into various areas of science, such as economics and culture.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter outlines the historical emergence of cross-cultural studies as a distinct scientific field, highlighting the role of major universities and researchers like George Peter Murdock in institutionalizing the discipline.
Literature review: This section details the theoretical contributions of prominent anthropologists like Clyde Kluckhohn and Franz Boas, focusing on Value Orientation Theory and the scientific conceptualization of culture.
Qualitative and quantitative research: This chapter contrasts the ethnographic methods of Bronisław Malinowski with the quantitative dimensions of national culture established by Geert Hofstede.
Discussion: This section evaluates the trade-offs between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and explores how cultural dimensions influence organizational performance and economic behavior.
Conclusion: This final chapter suggests that future research should adopt a holistic approach that integrates both qualitative and quantitative methods to better understand the complexity of human culture.
Keywords
Cross-cultural studies, Anthropology, Methodology, Qualitative research, Quantitative research, Globalization, Ethnography, Participant observation, Value Orientation Theory, Geert Hofstede, Bronisław Malinowski, Culture, Sociology, Interdisciplinary, Social sciences
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines cross-cultural studies through the lens of its methodology, exploring how different research approaches influence our understanding of human behavior and culture.
What are the central thematic areas?
The central themes include the historical development of the field, the contrast between ethnographic and statistical methods, and the application of cultural dimensions in economics and social science.
What is the core research goal?
The goal is to determine the most effective methodological framework for cross-cultural analysis by evaluating both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Which scientific methods are analyzed?
The paper evaluates qualitative methods like participant observation and in-depth interviews, as well as quantitative methods involving statistical analysis and large-scale questionnaires.
What is the focus of the main body?
The main body covers the history of the discipline at Yale and Harvard, the theoretical contributions of key anthropologists, and the debate regarding the dominance of either qualitative or quantitative research tools.
Which keywords best describe this work?
Key terms include cross-cultural studies, anthropology, methodology, globalization, ethnography, and interdisciplinary research.
Who are the key figures mentioned in the context of methodology?
The paper highlights Bronisław Malinowski for his ethnographic participant observation and Geert Hofstede for his quantitative dimensions of national culture.
How does the author suggest future research should be conducted?
The author argues for a more holistic, interdisciplinary approach that successfully combines the analytical strengths of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
- Quote paper
- Bettina Bett (Author), 2013, Cross-cultural studies in the light of its methology, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/279732
