Which of the following is an example of ethnocentrism?
An American manager criticizes the cultural practices of Saudi Arabia, when he is sent there on business, because it differs from his own cultural norms.
A French business owner, who plans to expand his market to China, conducts a detailed cultural study of China to customize her marketing campaign.
A manager in India looks down upon his subordinates because they are from a lower caste, compared to him.
An upper-middle-class woman talks rudely to a sales person, because she looks down upon individuals belonging to the working-class.
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer:
An American manager criticizes the cultural practices of Saudi Arabia, when he is sent there on business, because it differs from his own cultural norms.
Explanation (300 words):
Ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s own culture, values, norms, and practices are superior to those of others. It often leads individuals to judge other cultures through the lens of their own cultural standards, rather than trying to understand them within their own context. This can result in misunderstandings, prejudice, and a lack of cultural sensitivity, especially in global settings such as international business, travel, and diplomacy.
In the example provided, the American manager criticizes the cultural practices of Saudi Arabia simply because they are different from his own. This is a classic case of ethnocentrism. Rather than approaching the new culture with openness and respect, he uses his own cultural norms as a benchmark to evaluate the practices of another society. Such behavior can cause offense, damage business relationships, and hinder effective communication. Ethnocentrism in the workplace can lead to a lack of cultural competence, which is particularly detrimental in international business environments where understanding and respecting cultural differences is essential.
The other examples reflect different types of prejudice or social biases, but not necessarily ethnocentrism. For instance, the French business owner who studies Chinese culture before entering the market demonstrates cultural relativism, which is the opposite of ethnocentrism — it involves understanding another culture on its own terms. The Indian manager’s caste-based discrimination and the woman’s class-based rudeness are examples of social stratification or classism, not ethnocentrism, as they are rooted in social hierarchy rather than cultural comparisons between different ethnic or national groups.
Thus, the correct example of ethnocentrism is the American manager who criticizes a foreign culture based on his own cultural perspective.
