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Essay / A Study of the Cultural Environment in Taiwan
High-context cultures communicate indirectly through contextual elements. The Taiwanese emphasize values such as saving face, which means upholding dignity or maintaining the balance of a group. Speaking frankly or bringing up opposing viewpoints can embarrass and affect how people perceive that individual, which is why understandings are internalized during communication. Because of the effort put into maintaining these relationships, known as guanxi, they are generally longer lasting and extremely valuable to functioning within that culture. There are strong limits due to the lack of explicit rules; however, insiders already know the ways to network. Taiwan is a particularistic culture because relationships regulate behavior. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Rules come after context because maintaining dignity in a relationship is more important, which is why knowledge is situational. For example, a receptionist in an office makes a mistake that everyone is aware of but is not directly reprimanded in front of her colleagues because the employer is saving face. With relationships at the forefront, Taiwan leans toward communitarianism where actions are planned for the benefit of the group. Taoist teachings of filial piety toward the extended family of “humanity and among all beings that make up the universe” are manifested through strong networks that help one another in exchange for loyalty; destroying a connection can also affect relationships between others. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for extended family members to live under one roof, showing that freedom of individual choice is not extremely important. As a diffuse culture, work relationships can spill over into personal lives due to the time and effort invested. A Taiwanese factory owner who invites a future business partner into his home may go out of his way to please him, now turning the relationship into a personal one. Taiwan is a neutral culture; conservative conduct is expected in order to save face, which preserves reputation and credibility. People's perceptions are relevant in this society and outwardly showing one's emotions can affect one's guanxi. As an ascriptive culture, this society places importance on a person's identity in terms of origin, age, and other attributes. In senior-junior relationships at school or at work, respect is automatically given to the senior, even if he or she has not met him or disagrees with him. Regarding the attitude towards time, this society has gone through a balance of Western culture. East Asian philosophy and religious values are still respected, but the new generation is beginning to have the freedom to make their own choices when it comes to school and marriage. Time is polychronic in this society; they are more flexible towards schedules and tasks. Additionally, relationships are deemed equally important, so lunches may last longer than expected if discussions are still taking place. It's also common for people to answer the phone during important meetings. Until now, there have been consistent underlying themes of unity and relationships within this society, which indicates their attitude of outward leadership, where people adapt to the environment while nature controls their destiny. Taoism emphasizes that “man must bring his will into harmony with the natural universe.”..