1. How do you define your culture?

Please Note: in answering this question consider the following:  Usually we think of defining our culture in terms of nationality or a country of origin.  One may say, for instance, I am Polish, or Polish-American.  Groups of people may also define themselves in light of ethnic or racial characteristics.  A person’s sense of identity may also be rooted in a religious heritage or any other demographic aspect such as gender, sexual orientation, social class or in light of membership in an age cohort.  Sometimes, an organizational structure such as being affiliated with the military or a particular type of community such as a rural community or a vacation spot can also serve as a way of defining our culture.

2. Are there particular values that are especially meaningful to your culture?

Please note: Examine how Hofstede has contrasted two types of cultural orientations:  Individualistic cultures emphasize the independence and autonomy of an individual.  In individualistic cultures a person is self-directed and pursues individual goals or strives to please oneself.  Collectivistic cultures emphasize the harmony of the group and the pursuit of group goals over individual endeavors.  This may mandate greater conformity and concerns about the security of the group as a whole.  Provide examples for your answer.