Global culture has been the subject of intense scrutiny over the past few decades. While the term refers to the common values, beliefs, customs, and practices shared by people worldwide, the definition of global culture has evolved over time. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the changing definition of global culture and what it means for businesses and organizations.
The Traditional Definition of Global Culture
The traditional definition of global culture stems from the idea that globalization has created a universal culture that has eroded local and regional cultures. This view suggests that most people share a set of values and beliefs that are shaped by popular culture, such as music, movies, and television shows. This view assumes that global culture has led to homogenization, in which people across the world follow the same cultural patterns.
However, this traditional view has faced intense criticism and has fallen out of favor in recent years. Many scholars argue that global culture is not homogenizing but rather is hybridizing, meaning that people may adopt elements of global culture but also infuse it with their local and regional cultures. Therefore, global culture is not erasing local cultures but is instead being shaped by them.
The Contemporary Definition of Global Culture
As we have seen, the traditional definition of global culture is increasingly viewed as outdated. Instead, experts now define global culture as the process by which cultural values and practices are exchanged, negotiated, and contested across different sites, regions, and nations. This process is dynamic and ongoing, with culture constantly evolving and changing.
In this contemporary view, global culture is not seen as something separate from local cultures but as a part of them. The global-local interchange influences the development of both local and global cultures, and practitioners must remain mindful of this dynamic relationship. While global culture is evolving and changing, businesses and organizations must develop culturally responsive strategies to meet their clients’ needs continually.
Why Understanding the Definition of Global Culture Matters
Given the importance of global culture, businesses and organizations must strive to understand its evolution. For example, businesses that cater to a global market must be mindful of local cultural norms to succeed in the given market. Similarly, an organization that operates on a global scale must recognize the complexity of the cultural contexts it operates within.
The shift towards a more hybridized definition of global culture also impacts how organizations approach cultural diversity. As globalization continues to shape our world, the need for organizations to embrace diversity and promote it has become increasingly important. Understanding the evolution of global culture can help organizations tailor their diversity strategies to this new reality.
Conclusion
The definition of global culture has evolved as globalization has transformed the world. The traditional view of global culture has given way to a more hybrid view that views global culture as dynamic, ongoing, and influenced by local cultures. By understanding this changing definition of global culture, businesses, and organizations can develop culturally responsive strategies to meet the needs of their clients and stakeholders in today’s globalized world.
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