The personality inventory makes me think of cultural
differences. In my opinion, some of the traits Bolten states definitely depend on the culture (such as eye contact, gestures, and assertiveness). I believe
that culture has a big influence on how people behave within a group, and that
social behaviors shape individual personalities. Hong and Phua also believes
that culture socially shapes individual behaviors(2013).
I argue that Bolten’s personality inventory has lack of
cultural dimensions. According to Bolten’s personality inventory, I am
Analytical. However, if you consider cultural differences between Japan and the
US, I could be expressive in Japanese standards, but not in American standards.
I could be analytical for American but not for Japanese.
The Hoftrede Dimensions examine national and organizational
culture. Geert Hofstede conducted comprehensive studies of how values in the
workplace are influenced by culture. He analyzed a large database of employee
value scores collected within IBM between 1967 and 1973. The data covered more
than 70 countries. (The Hofstede Centre, n.d.)
The difference between Bolton’s personality inventory is
that Hsftede’s inventory is based on culture, whereas Bolton’s inventory could
be within one culture or one society. Hofstede’s cultural compass is often used
when you start a new business internationally or when a company enters a
foreign country, because cultural difference can cause many conflicts or
negative effect on your organization. Cultural difference can even lead a complete failure of your business.
Hosftede’s cultural compass helps you understand not only in workplace but also
in any situation where you need cultural competency.
Hofstede’s cultural
inventory has six dimensions
1, Power Distance 2, Individualism/Collectivism 3,
Masculinity/Femininity 4, Uncertainty Avoidance 5, Pragmatism (Short term vs
long term orientation) 6, Indulgence/Restraint
For example: this graph shows scores on Japan in comparison
with the US, because I have lived in those countries for long time.
No wonder I have some Analytical tendencies that many
Japanese people would have!
The similarity of Bolton’s personality inventory and Hofstede
Dimensions are that both have a broad idea of how people behave, and
individuals within the types do not always behave the same. For example, even
if you are expressive, you could have some tendencies of drivers, in terms of
Bolton’s inventory. I have a lot of Japanese traits according to Hofstede’s
dimensions, but I am more likely to be independent as an exception of Japanese
traits.
In addition, David Vogner states that some scientists
believe that culture may be adaptive (2012). I think I experienced the
adaptation. My behavior has changed since I came here about two years ago. For
example, I did not make eye contact before (and I believe a lot of Japanese
people don’t neither), but now I do make eye contact because I have been
influenced by American culture. One of my Japanese friends proved the change
when I went home last summer; She said I have intense eye contact and she felt
uncomfortable. However, I do not think my friends in America think I have intense
eye contact.
In conclusion, culture shapes how you behave within a group, and that
influences your personality. In other words, your behaviors may be adapted when
you are in a different culture. Therefore, your personality may change as
well.
References
Hong, Y., & Phua, D. Y. (2013).
In search of culture's role in influencing individual social behaviour. Asian Journal Of Social Psychology, 16(1),
26-29. doi:10.1111/ajsp.12016
THE HOFSTEDE CENTRE. (n.d.).
Retrieved January 26, 2015, from http://geert-hofstede.com/index.php
Vognar, D. (2012, October 1). How
Important Is Culture in Shaping Our Behavior? Retrieved January 26, 2015, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-vognar/culture-influence-politics-life-_b_1724750.html
