Cultural factors that influence the development of ethical relationships
In a paper 1,000-1,250 words, complete the following:
1. Explain cultural factors that influence the development of ethical relationships in or between cultures.
2. Evaluate the different perspectives on the ethics of developing, maintaining, or ending relationships in members of different cultural groups?
3. Explain how differing cultural values and norms may influence conflict styles.
4. Give specific illustrations that show different conflict styles of people from different cultures.
5. Project must have a minimum of five scholarly sources.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
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This assignment assesses the following competencies:
Comp 4.1 Evaluate the connection between ethical communication and different worldviews.
Comp 2.3 Compare and contrast how communicative behaviors reflect various cultural norms.
Sample Answer
How Cultural Factors Influence the Development of Ethical Relationships in or between Cultures
An ethical relationship is a trustworthy relation that one human being has with another. The ability to form such a relationship is usually influenced by cultural factors. Ethics are moral principles, which guide the behavior of an individual, and they reflect the beliefs of a person concerning what is right, just or unjust, wrong, and the appropriate human behavior. Culture influences those beliefs and moral values of what is acceptable and what is unacceptable. Differences or similarities in beliefs, traditions, language, and values determine the quality of relationships formed as discussed below.
Cultural factors such as beliefs and values are the most important cultural factors affecting ethical relationships as they set standards for discerning what is acceptable or unacceptable in a society or among members of a group. Failure to understand and respect the beliefs of culture creates mistrust and hostility between individuals. Ethical relations are easily formed between members of the same culture compared to those from a different culture as the individual takes time to understand and respect their differences. For example, in China, a lot of importance is attached to human feelings due to the belief that the “rule of man” is more significant than the “rule of law” (Sorokin, 2017).
Language is a major cultural factor affecting ethical relationships through communication. Communication forms a platform where individuals express themselves, get familiar with others, and determines the level of connection between individuals. Aspects of communication, such as choice of words, use of gestures, and other body movements reflect the culture of individuals involved. The ability to understand what is appropriate such as the appropriate words to use, appropriate gestures and other cues, and when to use them can enhance a deeper relationship based on complete trust. The social organization also matters as some cultures attach importance to family, and relatives and most loyal relations are formed between such individuals, which makes relations with members outside the circle more challenging (Graham, Meindl, Beall, Johnson, & Zhang, 2016).
An Evaluation of Different Perspectives on the Ethics of Developing, Maintaining or Ending Relationships in Members of Different Cultural Groups
Culture affects personal habits and preferences and may result in different priorities, which affect the ability and need to start, maintain, or end a relationship. The differences are experienced between high context and low context cultures. In high context, cultures such as among Japanese, French, and Arabs, individuals assume the existence of a common level of knowledge and views and tend to communicate indirectly. In low context culture, issues are fully spelled, Germany is an example. Developing relationships between individuals from the two groups may be challenging as individuals from low context cultures might find the others secretive, while those from high context cultures find the other group offensive (Matsumoto, & Juang, 2016).
Collectivist and individualist cultures have different ethics on developing, maintain, and ending relationships. Individualist cultures such as in Canada, the United States, and other countries put more emphasis on individual goals hence strong competition, which may result in strenuous relationships that may not last for long periods. Collectivist cultures, on the other hand, emphasize family and group goals, and the interests of others are put before individual interests. The culture values selflessness, the spirit of a team player, cooperation, and teamwork hence easy to start and maintain relationships (Matsumoto & Juang, 2016).
