Embracing Diversity: Understanding Different Cultural Values through 8values Test

Embracing Diversity: Understanding Different Cultural Values through 8values Test

In today’s globalized world, it’s becoming increasingly important to embrace diversity and understand different cultural values. The workplace is no exception, with multicultural teams becoming the norm rather than the exception. But how do we come to understand the values of those from different cultures? This is where the 8values test comes in.

The 8values test is a quiz that assesses a person’s political ideology based on a set of 8 core values: equality, democracy, liberty, tradition, authority, progress, community, and markets. While this test was initially created as a political tool, it can also be used as a way to understand cultural values.

Equality is a core value in many cultures, including Scandinavian countries. In these cultures, there is a strong emphasis on equality and fairness, and hierarchies are viewed with suspicion. This is in stark contrast to cultures that place a high value on authority, such as Japan, where there is a strong respect for hierarchy and a clear distinction between seniority and juniority.

Democracy is another value that can provide insight into cultural differences. In Western cultures, there is a strong emphasis on democracy and individual rights, while in Eastern cultures, there is often a greater emphasis on collective decision making and group harmony. This can manifest in different ways, such as the practice of saving face in Chinese culture or the importance placed on consensus building in Japanese culture.

Liberty can also provide insight into cultural values. In the United States, for example, there is a strong emphasis on individual liberty and personal responsibility, while in certain Middle Eastern cultures, there is a greater emphasis on community and the collective good. This can manifest in different ways, such as the tendency for Arab cultures to rely on extended family networks for support and the practice of zakat (charitable giving).

Tradition is a core value in many cultures, such as India and parts of Africa. In these cultures, there is a strong emphasis on preserving cultural practices and customs, even if they may seem outdated to outsiders. This can manifest in different ways, such as the practice of arranged marriages in India or the use of herbal remedies in African cultures.

Authority is a value that can be seen in many cultures, such as in Latin America. In these cultures, there is a strong emphasis on respect for traditional authority figures, such as parents or government officials. This can manifest in different ways, such as the tendency to use formal titles or the expectation of obedience to authority figures.

Progress is a core value in many Western cultures, where there is a strong emphasis on innovation and progress. This can manifest in different ways, such as the emphasis on entrepreneurship in the United States or the emphasis on design and aesthetics in Scandinavian countries.

Community is another core value that can be seen in many cultures, such as in African or Japanese cultures. In these cultures, there is a strong emphasis on community and the collective good, with individuals often being expected to put the needs of the group before their own. This can manifest in different ways, such as the strong sense of community in African villages or the emphasis on teamwork in Japanese workplaces.

Markets are a core value in many Western cultures, where there is a strong emphasis on capitalism and free markets. This can manifest in different ways, such as the emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation in the United States or the emphasis on individualism in Western Europe.

Understanding these core values can help us bridge cultural differences and find common ground. By recognizing that different cultures may place a higher value on one core value over another, we can begin to understand why certain practices or customs may seem strange or even offensive to outsiders. With the help of the 8values test, we can begin to embrace diversity and learn from our differences in an increasingly interconnected world.

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