Cultural Context • Culture Matters

Culture And Personality

by: Chris Smit - January 3rd, 2013 2 Comments

I get the question very often during a Cultural Awareness Training: What is the relationship between Culture and Personality?

This article is an attempt to shed some practical, non-academic light on this relationship between Culture and Personality. Let me start with saying that the question is actually invalid… (but please read on!) Read More

Cultural Awareness Training: A Definition

by: Chris Smit - March 16th, 2012 1 Comment

You’re on the website Culture Matters now. But what does this word “Culture” mean? Or better, in which context is it used on this website?

When you look up “Culture” in Wikipedia, there are 8 chapters of information and dozens of pages. Using Google to look up “Culture” gives you over 1.5 million hits. Not very helpful. Read More

Do’s & Dont’s in Cultural Awareness Training

by: Chris Smit - February 14th, 2012 6 Comments

I get the question almost every cultural awareness training: Can you give me some Do’s & Dont’s of this particular country?

It’s a very valid question and an obvious one from someone working in an international environment. We want simple and short answers and solutions to the problems we face.

However… Do’s and Dont’s questions are really the most difficult one’s to answer. Read More

BUSH in BEJING Political Rhetoric and Cultural Muscle-Flexing

by: Chris Smit - April 24th, 2009 Add Comment

Along the way to Beijing to attend the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony this past week, President Bush made a stop in Bangkok.

His purpose was to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the alliance between Thailand (Siam when the alliance was formed) and the United States.

In his Bangkok address, Bush paid allegiance to Thailand as a significant leader in Asia and applauded the Thai government for the restoration of democracy for its citizens as well as being one of the driving forces that has helped to transform post-WWII Asia into a thriving and dynamic region.

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