* Pick one concept from the assigned reading, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
One concept from chapter 5 that I found interesting is the notion of time and space. Maybe I found them so interesting because I can see clearly their applications in my own life.
I strongly disagree with Gonzalez and Zimbardo’s view of time-sensitivity orientation. They believe that “time orientation may be related to the kinds of employment we seek. Thus, semiskilled or unskilled occupations may be attractive to and appropriate for people with present-orientations, whereas managerial and professional occupations call for future-oriented individuals” (p. 123). In my view, Gonzalez and Zimbardo failed to emphasize that time-sensitivity orientation differs from culture to culture.
Brazilian’ lack of punctuality and their ability to ignore time, for instance, drive foreigners crazy. Brazilians are rarely in a hurry, especially in Rio or in Northern Brazil. I remember that some of my former Brazilian directors/managers rarely started meetings at the scheduled time, but they were not seeing as semiskilled or unskilled. As opposed to that, we considered them competent professionals. In fact, they were disputed by huge national and multinational corporations.
Finally, the notion of space indeed brings beautiful and funny memories to my mind. During my childhood, my two brothers and I were always disputing a particular seat at the table before breakfast, lunch, or dinner time. We almost drove our parents insane when we started playing this game. Our parents stared at us and asked “What’s your problem? With so many chairs at our house, you are fighting to seat at the same chair?! You guys are unbelievable!” Trenholm (2008) explains that the need to control areas of space and make them ours, is called territoriality” (p. 124). I believe that my brothers and I were simply trying to “mark” our territory. :-)
Ibirapuera
W16 - Discussion Question # 3
16 years ago
Good point Ibirapuera! I also think Gonzalez and Zimbardo overgeneralized a little bit with their comment. It actually caught me off-guard when I was reading the chapter the other day.
ReplyDeleteMy sister is living in Brazil right now and she frequently comments on how frustrating it can be to do business there as an American because they just don't view time the same way we do. Luckily she is pretty immersed in the whole culture so hopefully she'll gain a better understanding soon (or at least some patience haha).
Your example reminded me of the kids I babysit! They are boy/girl twins age two and man do they get on my nerves sometimes with their screaching every time one steals a toy the other one was playing with. The toy in question can even be sitting there untouched for a half an hour but if the next person to touch it wasn't the last one playing with it, lets just say it can be vicious. I guess even at that age you have a sense of territory.
Oh wow! How nice! :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, I imagine your sister may be having a hard time to get used to the Brazilian corporate. I hope she gest used to it as soon as possible. The risk is that she might come back to America with Brazilian habits. But let's worry about it when time comes. :-)
I truly believe that humans start having a sense or territory since early age. The example you used demonstrates it so perfectly!
PS.: What part of Brazil is your sister living?
Ibirapuera