Feenberg, (2010), Marcus and Gould (2000), and Sterbenz (2014) seem to agree that though technology affects culture, culture also affects technology. Culture is fluid and change occurs continuously and somewhat predictably and incrementally as a result of advances in technology and related economic success tempered by the influence of long-standing cultural traditions. Political and religious ideals help to define a culture and how it perceives and interacts with technology. As a result, cultures also dictate the best practices for optimum working relations with regard to technology, not to mention other aspects of business.
The Sterbenz (2014) diagram maps the values of nations. When comparing the maps over time, it shows the movement of nations across the plane as they change culturally. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions (Marcus, 2000) focus our attention on related ideas. Together these tools can be helpful in our interactions, planning, and design for work with various cultures. Although this information can be helpful, one has to be careful with generalizations and remember that people are individuals.
Feenberg (2010) and Inglehart and Welzel (2010) speak to technology kickstarting change that improves the economy, and from there begins to affect change that radiates to all areas of society. That there seems to be a predictable path nations follow on their path to modernity.
According to Inglehart and Welzel (2010), modernization is a sense of growth, of society’s progress or moving forward, and it usually begins with “technological and economic changes” (p. 3073). It brings an increase in financial resources, job opportunities, social groups, state growth, political activity, and “rationalization and secularization” (p. 3074). I tend to agree with most of those points, because that is what I have seen. The part I disagree with is a departure from spiritual values as a result of modernization as a generalization, because I know so many people that hold fast to their spiritual values. Of course, some people may have become more secular as a result of modernization, however that can’t be said of everyone. God is still credited by many for inspiring people with creativity, innovations, and ingenuity. Inglehart and Welzel (2010) later note an increase in spirituality and state that the departure from spiritual values is only temporary.
When considering Hofstede’s cultural dimensions’ implications for web design (Marcus & Gould, 2000) along with the other reading from this week, thoughtful consideration should be given to culture – whether designing websites, instruction, training, products, or processes. In any context, knowing your customer or student provides a strong foundation for interaction.
Feenberg, A. (2010). Technology in a global world. In R. Figueroa & S. Harding (eds.), Science and other cultures: Issues in philosophies of science and technology (pp. 237-251). United Kingdom: Routledge.
Inglehart, R. & Welzel, C. (2010). Modernization. The Blackwell encyclopedia of sociology. Oxford, England: Blackwell.
Marcus, A., & Gould, E.W. (2000). Cultural dimensions and global web user-interface design: What? so what? now what? White Paper: Cultural Dimensions and Global Web User Design, 1-27.
Sterbenz, C. (July 3, 2014). This chart explains every culture in the world. Business Insider.
Catalyst 