Purchase Solution

Ethnocentrism and the affect it has on individuals and societies

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Definition of ethnocentrism and the affect it has on individuals, societies and multinational corporations.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

The solution defines ethnocentrism and gives examples of how it may affect the interractions of various groups in a society. Web sites are listed that give additional information. The text contains

Solution Preview

In brief, ethnocentrism is the tendency for one group to think of their own ways as superior to those of others. Those who behave in an ethnocentric fashion are usually unaware that they are doing so. Their point of view is so narrow, so limited by their own cultural and ethnic experiences, that they are unable to perceive their own misunderstandings of other groups.

For example, an American traveling in rural Africa becomes irate when trains or buses don't arrive on time. The person at the ticket counter receives the complaint with polite resignation and assures the American traveler that the bus will be along shortly. When the bus finally arrives hours later, the tourist is in a fit of rage. The African travelers, however, seem to take it all in stride. What the American is incapable of understanding is that outside major African metropolitan areas there are frequently disruptions in travel schedules, so being "in a hurry" to catch public transport is fruitless.

The American is accustomed to his or her native country's way of doing things. In ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Employee Orientation

Test your knowledge of employee orientation with this fun and informative quiz. This quiz is meant for beginner and advanced students as well as professionals already working in the HR field.

Academic Reading and Writing: Critical Thinking

Importance of Critical Thinking

Accounting: Statement of Cash flows

This quiz tests your knowledge of the components of the statements of cash flows and the methods used to determine cash flows.

Understanding Management

This quiz will help you understand the dimensions of employee diversity as well as how to manage a culturally diverse workforce.

Situational Leadership

This quiz will help you better understand Situational Leadership and its theories.