Iceberg exercise
Now think about this question: What can we do to better understand the culture we are working in?
The iceberg image represents the two parts of a culture.
- One part is the Surface Culture, that is what is “above the water line.”
- These are the behaviors and artifacts visible to outsiders.
- The other part is the Deep Culture, that is what exists “below the water line;” the unspoken or subconscious rules.
- These are the invisible sources of behavior: attitudes, beliefs and values; the worldview of a particular group.
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Where on the iceberg would you place each of the things on the following list?
Food
Work ethic
Importance of time
Rules of social etiquette
Styles of dress
Nature of friendship
Values
Courtship practices
Paintings
Notion of modesty | Childrearing beliefs
Gestures
Leadership
Concept of beauty
Eating habits
Literature
Holiday customs
Personal space
Music
Religious rituals |
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