Is Globalization Killing Our Cultures?

For some, globalization is dangerous for cultural diversity. The fear of cultural dilution and being imposed upon by a foreign, sometimes corporate, culture drives many people to deduce that the global economy is doing us more harm than good. 

However, new research coming from academics in Morocco and Canada suggests that globalization is certainly not killing our cultures. 

Abderrahman Hassi of the School of Business Administration, Al Akhawayn University in Morocco and Giovanna Storti of Employment and Social Development Canada, in Canada, have recenlty released findings of their paper, Interplay between the convoluting forces of culture and globalisation, published in the Journal for Global Business Advancement.

---

“....nations that are part of cultural global exchanges on a regular basis do not lose sight of their cultural distinctiveness."

---

Far from damaging local cultures, the team suggests that, "....nations that are part of cultural global exchanges on a regular basis do not lose sight of their cultural distinctiveness.They interpret cultural rudiments in ways that make them compatible and functional with their [sic] .”

“Standardization does not have to mean the taking on of all aspects of a Western way of life. Individuals in human societies instinctively rely on what is deeply rooted and entrenched within the core of their being in order to express their particular differences in respect to their customs, traditions, inventions and discoveries,.”

---

Conscious Cultural Awareness is Key

One important point noted by the researchers is that people and organsiations alike need to work within the parameters of globalization understanding that cultural differences exist, are healthy and necessary.

Cultural awareness is therefore important in helping bring about the benefits of globalization as well as minimising harm, real or perceived, on culture, identity and rights.

“Globalization by definition promotes the flow of cultural customs, practices and norms along with cross-border exchanges of goods and services, however, both individuals and organizations need to grasp the cultural implications of these flows to get the most out of interactions that occur with other cultures.”

The research team conclude that, "if we choose to follow a route based on standardized practices across cultures, organizations need to familiarize themselves about these practices and should adjust their plans accordingly to reflect and respect indigenous cultural particularities.”

---

More information: Abderrahman Hassi et al. Interplay between the convoluting forces of culture and globalisation, J. for Global Business Advancement (2017). DOI: 10.1504/JGBA.2017.084610

---

Photo by Agnieszka Kowalczyk on Unsplash

---