Você está na página 1de 8

Edward T Hall

Context Maldivians would be referred as belonging to a high-context culture. According to Hall (1976), in high-context cultures, people are homogeneous with regard to experiences and communication styles. High-context cultures are formed because of tradition and history which changes little over time. These are cultures in which consistent messages have produced consistent responses. Many aspects of this cultural behaviour are that speeches are not made explicitly because most members know what to do and what to think from years of interaction with each other because of the strong bonds between them (family, close friends) where relationship is actually more important than the task. Meanings exchanged during the encounter do not have to be communicated through words In Maldives, the message people are trying to convey to each other often depends on other communicative signs such as body language and eye-contact rather than direct words. In this regard, people make assumptions about what is not said. In Maldivian culture particular emphasis is placed on tone of voice, the use of silence, facial cues, and body language as they communication tend to be in an indirect fashion. It is vital to be aware of these non-verbal aspects of communication in any setting in order to avoid misunderstandings (Ashki). For example, during conversations raising eye brows means yes in the Maldivian context. Another instance is that silence is often used as a form of contemplation and a person should not feel obliged to speak during these periods. This indirectness of communication allows the people of this culture to exist as part of a homogenous society while upholding common traditions and values.

Space A territory is also an area or space around a person that he claims as his own also known as personal space. Each person has his own personal territory, as Hall (1976) discovered. Personal Space is actually culturally determined depending on the type of environment an individual grew up in. Where some cultures are accustomed to crowding, others prefer the 'wide open spaces' and would prefer others to keep their distance.

Maldivians need for personal space is highly defined by genders. They can be considered as highly territorial between members of the opposite sex and they require personal space between due to the strict conformity to Islam where physical contact between different genders are discouraged (Bennett, 2005). Muslim men and women may also find close personal contact between sexes very uncomfortable. As a result, when engaging in conversations, Maldivian women and men tend to keep a greater distance from each other and avoid personal contact with each other as much as possible (Atighetchi, 2006). However, physical contact and distance kept between similar genders are considered appropriate.

Time The Maldivian traditions have caused Maldivians to see time as being cyclical and flowing. This is in contrast to the linear view in the West, where time is divided into segments along a straight line with opportunities needed to be seized in the present (Marieke K. de Mooij). Maldivians tend to have less urgency about immediate achievement. They see life in longer spans of time and are generally more interested in preserving the past than in changing the future. This can be seen in the later parts of this report from the degree of uncertainty avoidance in Hostedfes cultural dimension and Trompenaars time perspective dimension. Maldivians also have a polychronic culture, which means that it is natural for many things to happen at once. People have a less emphasis on the notion of time and they do not feel compelled to be on schedule all the time, and they take interruptions in stride. With an interactive approach, Individuals may walk in and out of a meeting, or a host may stop numerous times to take a phone call. In a group meeting, many agenda items may be placed on the table without feeling a need to resolve any or all of them at that time which can come across as being rather unfocused and patient (Ref). This contrasts to a monochronic culture, where time is compartmentalized and tasks are accomplished one at a time.

Trompenaars Universalism vs Particularism In Maldives case, the country can be considered as being a more particularistic culture. Trompenaars (1993), referred particularism as being more situationally applied. In Maldives, personal law which includes family and inheritance laws are exclusively governed by shariab law. Legal laws such as criminal law, contracts, company law etc, are governed by laws enacted by the parliament based on shariaab law (United Nations). There is also a form of moral absolutism existing in their legal system which can be considered as a form of particularism. For example, a Maldivian woman that has been convicted of being involved in extra-marital sex is to be punished by flogging in the public and there can be absolutely no debate in Sharia punishments (Ahmed, 2011). Particularism also can be seen in the business context where mutual trust and relationship between businessmen is more emphasized and deals are being made based on friendship (Banerjee, 2000). Therefore, terms and conditions in contracts may are determined and changed depending on the situation. Collectivism vs Communitarianism Trompenaars (1993) interpretation of individualism-communitarianism can be interpreted as part of Hostedfes collectivism and individualism dimension. Diffuse vs Specific In Maldivian society, Maldivians can be seen as demonstrating a more diffused culture. According to Trompenaars (1993), the characteristics of a diffuse culture includes the use of indirect communication (does not always say what is really meant) and also the unclear distinction between work and private life. As explained in Halls (1976) analysis, Maldives is a country that has a high context culture. Therefore, communication forms are usually indirect and are highly dependent on the context itself where people are also expected to have common understandings between each other. To Maldivians, relationship between people is vital. Hence, in many situations they tend to integrate work and personal life together. For example, in the business aspect, where

things tend to be related in a way and business is just another form of social interaction. A business relationship also will tend to involve a form of personal relationship with each other. Neutral vs Affective Ellis (2008, p37) referred Maldivians as friendly, courteous and hospitable but reserved to strangers. Relationship takes time to build and emotions are usually kept under control. Maldivians expression of emotions is rather neutral than affective. Characteristics of a neutral relationship includes, not revealing what one is thinking or feeling, gesturing or strong facial expressions. Maldives has designated Islam to be the default religion for the country. Islam has played an important role in the lives of the Maldivians. Within Islam, the beliefs of the Quran apply universally to all Muslims, giving them an identical understanding of how communication should be brought about (Jonsson, 2006). Hence, by traditionally conforming to these rules, much of the Maldivians ethics and social behaviours are generally influenced by their religion. According to the Islamic Centre of Southern California (2004), Islam teachings have taught Muslims that anger, depression, hate, envy are strongly discouraged. A Muslim is advised to keep in control these emotions that are known as being destructive, and to repent if they influenced these attitudes towards others. They are instructed to control their tongues and physical power when sad or angry. In addition, when reacting emotionally it should be in a dignified and respectable way. This is in contrast to an affective relationship where, emotional expressions are encouraged.

Achievement vs Ascription The Maldivian society can be interpreted as being an achievement based society. An achievement based society is described by Trompenaars where status is awarded and respect is gained through an individual achievement. In the past, Maldives is considered as being a ascription based society rather than an achievement based society where the emphasis of power and wealth is apparent. Both power and wealth are being passed down from generations to generations and high ranked positions are awarded based on connections and network rather than merit and hard work. Members of upper class are usually made up of the sultan and friends and relatives of the royal family (West, 2008). This has led to the stagnant

reign of power, wealth and authority in both government organizations and corporate organizations. It was clear that, that the government system was the result of the Maldivian social class structure and the institutional positions that was maintained were by default and non debatable. However, in recent years, Maldives is slowly moving towards a more homogenous society. However, a complex class structure is still present in the society where a distinction between the upper class and the lower class is still present (Ngcheong-Lum, 2000). Distinction between the upper class and lower class has now been broken down and is less visible. West (2008, p188) has also noted that job promotions and advancements in Maldivian society are now based on accomplishments instead of the persons social background. An example can be seen in the Maldivian civil service act (2008), where positions in the constitution of the government are based purely on merit and experiences.

Time Perspective Trompenaars (1993) stated that a past oriented culture emphasizes on the past events and glory and has a tendency of viewing most things in the context of tradition or history. Between a past oriented and future oriented culture, a past oriented culture is more evident in Maldives. Reference can also be made to Hostedfes short-term orientation where there is a strong attachment to the past than the present. An example can be seen in recent news when the Maldivians accused the Maldivian Democratic Party for trying to moderate the form of Islamic practices in Maldives and to modernize it. The president than called on citizens to reject any religious extremism and continue to support the "traditional form" of Islam that has been practiced in the Maldives for the past 800 years in which he believed majority of the Maldivians would support the traditional form of Islam. (Presidents Office of Maldives, 2011). In general, this implies that Maldivians possesses a static and traditional-oriented mindset where changes in their traditions are not welcomed.

Relationship with environment Maldivians has an outer-directed culture in which they focus on living with harmony with the environment. In another words, this means that their culture can be interpreted as a more harmony-oriented culture. According to Trompenaars (1993), a harmony-oriented culture refers to a culture as being focused on living in harmony with the natural and social environment, relationship based, focusing on building and maintaining welfare of the group, defends traditions and skepticism towards change and emphasis on the feminine approach. These characteristics that are mentioned are visible among the people in the Maldivian society. Firstly, Maldivians have shown in events that they strongly defend against their traditions especially when it comes to changes and reforms in their religion. An example can be seen in the time perspective example where they were strongly against any reforms in their religion. Another example can be seen in recent news report in Haveeru Online (2011) when protesters in Maldives called for the arrest of the United Nations human rights chief for criticizing and calling for the debate on flogging for extra-marital sex/adultery. This indicates that Maldivians are very defensive against their own traditions and feel that there should be no questioning made pertaining to related issues. Skepticism to change can be seen in further explanations made in Hostedfes high uncertainty avoidance. Secondly, as Maldivians belong to a collectivistic culture, they tend to be more dependent on each other. Hence, priority would be based on building and maintaining the welfare of the group instead of self-interest. Thirdly, for the analysis to feministic culture reference can be made to Hostedfes masculinity vs feminity analysis.

Bibliography

Ahmed, H., 2011. Haveeru Online. [Online] Available at: http://www.haveeru.com.mv/news/38902 [Accessed 28 December 2011]. Ashki, M.S., 2006. Islamic approaches and principles of dialogue. [Online] Available at: http://www.salaminstitute.org/ashki.pdf [Accessed 27 December 2011]. Atighetchi, D., 2006. Islamic Bioethics: Problems and Perspectives. 1st ed. Springer. Banerjee, D., 2000. Security in South Asia: comprehensive and cooperative. Manas Publications. Edward, T.H., 1976. Beyond cultures. New York: Anchor Books. Ellis, R., 2008. Maldives. 4th ed. Bradt Travel Guides. Islamic Center of Southern California, 2004. Progressive islamic thoughts: A window to the future. The Minaret: the Islamic magazine, 26, pp.22-24. Jonsson, D.J., 2006. Islamic Economics and the Final Jihad: The Muslim Brotherhood to the Leftist/Marxist Islamist Alliance. United States Of America: Salem Communications. Maldives President's Office Press Release, 2011. The President's Office of the Replublic of Maldives. [Online] Available at: http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/Index.aspx?lid=11&dcid=6467 [Accessed 29 December 2011]. Maldivian Civil Act, 2008. United Nations Public Administration Network. [Online] Available at: http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/apcity/unpan038890.pdf [Accessed 29 December 2011]. Mooij, M.D., 2009. Global Marketing and Advertising: Understanding Cultural Paradoxes. 3rd ed. Sage Publications, Inc. Ngcheong-Lum, R., 2000. Maldives. Marshall Cavendish. Trompenaars, F., 1993. Riding the waves of culture: Understanding cultural diversity. London: Mcgraw-Hill. United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, 2003. Rapid situation assessment of drug abuse in Maldives. United Nations Publications. West, B.A., 2008. Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Asia and Oceania. Facts on File.

Você também pode gostar