communication within Sociocultural Tradition affects on Culture’s Identity.
Communication within Sociocultural Tradition affects on Culture’s Identity.
Intercultural miscommunication. To understand the importance of socio-cultural tradition we must acknowledge and understand that the world is very complex with complex diversities and cultures. With this diversity comes waves of beliefs, perceptions, norms, backgrounds, and values that can both help and hinder communication amongst cultures. One of the issues of communication was mentioned by Ting-Toomey and Chung (2012), who explains that “Intercultural miscommunications often occur because individuals use cultural-laden linguistic habits to communicate and interpret each other’s verbal messages (p.129). Intercultural miscommunication is the major factor in the lack of socialization among different cultures..
Direct or indirect communication. Often, we see communication barriers happen when people do not understand how to communicate directly and effectively, instead they grow accustomed to indirect communication which causes unnecessary issues. It is easy for different cultures to misinterpret direct or indirect behaviors as passive-aggressive or aggressive (Livermore 2015). Craig and Barge (2000), explain that when individuals interact with people groups outside of their cultural setting, it could be hard to not manifest cultural practice in language through communication without including one’s beliefs, spirituality, religious practices, and values. It is so important to know the culture that you are in contact with, so you understand their cultural practices and values to better assist the flow of communication..
SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION. When we investigate the cultural identities of spirituality and religion, we find that it plays a part in individuals' cultural identity and well-being. Lun and Bond (2013) found that though culture may be applied and differ to various groups by race and language; when we incorporate religion and spirituality, we find that various groups do not compare to the sociocultural traditions of one’s religious and spiritual background..
VALUES AND CULTURES. Each person uses their sociocultural tradition and influence in every aspect of their life. In many ways people use their social environment and sociocultural traditions to mold them into the person that they are today; this can be seen in the workforce. Sawyer (2017) explains that many aspects of the workplace rules and regulations can become challenging for the employees due to their upbringing including their values, culture, beliefs, and sociocultural influence. Every single person who works is unique and when multiple people join an organization it its filled with cultural identities, values, and social norms for each person this turns into a complex sociocultural system of work ( Bierema , 2002). Cultural identities should be looked at as an asset for organizations because each person can bring new perspectives, views, and opinions to the table based on the wide range of socio-cultural backgrounds and identities of each person. ( Blåka and Filstad , 2007). Howard (2000) explains that social identity is just as important as a cultural identity because it provides status and can either positively or negatively enhance self-esteem..
sTEREOTYPES. In today's society, we see that people face social and cultural factors through both external and internal environments. Many employees say that the stereotypes and prejudiced behaviors that they face in their external environments come with them in their workplace. Jones and Carpenter (2014) explained that when organizations allow stereotypical and prejudiced behaviors to go unnoticed with no disciplinary action or communication, strongly communicate the priority level of the organization's values for their employees over the value of the services being provided to the consumers. Organizations focus too much on trying to make people one or all the same, when cultural identity will never be able to fall into the parameters of, everybody is one; rather organizations should invite social and cultural differences from each of their employees to build a company that accepts diversity and communication (Zink, 2014)..
SOCIAL MOVEMENTS. Being able to properly communicate is not just important in organizations but it is also vital and has been a theme in social movements around the world. Collective identity has evolved, and many cultures have shifted their roles in sitting on the sideline of the governmental powers to handle the issues and concerns that pose a threat to their cultural identity ( Melucci 1995). When society and organizations begin to look at the presence of social relationships that don’t just unify but divide people as individuals rather than grouping them, they will open the door to communication barriers that are hindering growth and opportunity..
ADAPTATION. According to Baumeister and Muraven , (1996) it is important to remember that though individual identity and sociocultural context are important in culture, it must be understood that every person has an individual choice and ability to adapt or change. They found that the individual identity is an adaptation to a social context. Many people whether in society or their careers actively choose, alter, and modify their identities based on what will enable them to get along best in the social or cultural context (Baumeister and Muraven , 1996)..
RESULTS. Creating the link between sociocultural perspectives and cultural identity means understanding the links between individuals' race, culture, and learning. Nasir and Hand (2006) researched this topic and found that much research previously has failed to provide an overarching conceptual framework that is available and makes sense for researchers to incorporate in their research. They found that it is important to understand cultural differences to understand the concept and characteristics of the culture. Downie , Koestner , ElGeledi , and Cree (2004) conducted research by sampling tricultural individuals to see the difference or similarities between individuals being able to interact in one’s own heritage culture as well as in one’s new host culture. They found several characteristics within the study, including the necessity of the individual to be knowledgeable of both cultures and their communication styles, language, values, beliefs, and norms system..
fUTURE RESEARCH. Current research has done a good job at providing supportive research and findings on the sociocultural traditions and cultural identity, including barriers that face these theories. With this research question, there have been several gaps in the years of research on this topic. Staying focused on this topic can be challenging when there are many additional elements and findings towards this research question that can expand the research. Many scholars researched parts of the research question, but I did not find one researcher who solely focused on the topic. Not only does this research topic seek to show the importance of cultural identity, but we can see just how much one’s sociocultural tradition can play a role in our internal and external environments..
CONCLUSION. In conclusion, the literature review suggests that every person has a cultural identity based on sociocultural traditions. When we look at how important communication is in the context of interaction between individual identity and culture, they both work together for the development of people both individually and culturally. Being able to use different theories and tactics in both internal and external environments allows for being to be open and vulnerable about their cultural identity. To not be judged or stereotyped by what makes them an individual in this world, for the Bible says in Romans 12:6, “God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” No two people are alike, each person perceives things differently. Robinson (2000) explains that when society begins to accept that differences are unique and an asset in all cultural, societal, and organizational rooms, we then can begin to see the power of both social and cultural factors in our cultural identity..