Culture affects the way people determine their ethical norms and moral values. Similarly, culture also influences laws that govern a particular community in terms of regulating behavior and appropriate modes of interaction. Essentially, culture describes the way of life for a specific group of people (Hill & Rapp, 2014). Therefore, different cultures identify with various beliefs and attitudes regarding appropriate forms of behavior. Consequently, this affects how particular cultures determine morality. The theoretical concept of cultural relativism states that there are no universal standards binding all communities and individuals as to what pertains to ethical or moral conduct (Hill & Rapp, 2014). Hence, morality is influenced by different cultural norms and practices as people interpret different situations in different ways based on their cultural backgrounds.
Areas mainly dominated by one community have different beliefs and views on morality from other communities elsewhere in the country. For instance, the ethical codes of Sunset and the City of Detroit districts are influenced by the predominant cultures in the regions, namely the Asian-American and White-American cultures respectively. The Asian-American culture for instance, emphasizes on values such as loyalty to the family and respect for adults and people in positions of leadership. There is also an emphasis on collective responsibility as opposed to individualism. Most Asian communities regard marriage as a sacred institution; hence prohibit public display of affection and any other issues that can degrade the institution of marriage. Communication between adults and younger people involves utmost respect and submission for younger people.
The White-American community in the City of Detroit puts little emphasis on collective responsibility. On the contrary, the culture promotes individualism and personal responsibility. The White-American culture also values hard work, respect for human rights, and planning for the future. Family ties and issues such as submission and loyalty to authority must be justifiable within the White-American culture (Romani & Szkudlarek, 2014). Consequently, this cultural outlook has also influenced the ethical codes of the people of the City of Detroit and is often reflected in their moral values and legislation.
As a public administrator working in either of these communities, I will have to respect their cultural values and restructure my work to reflect their values. I will also interact with the locals and learn every bit of their culture so as to be accepted in their community (Arcodia and Reid, 2008). For instance, when working with the Asian Americans, I will respect higher authorities and adult figures as well as remaining loyal to friends from these communities and working for the greater collective objectives. On the other hand, I will also reflect the culture of the City of Detroit in my public service in the region.
Gift acceptance among Asian-Americans is an accepted practice. This is because the culture values collectiveness, hence the need to assist other people achieve the greater shared goals. Therefore, Asian Americans value the cultural practice of gift giving, and they consider it to be necessary for the attainment of the common objectives. On the other hand, the White-American culture disregards gift giving and instead encourages each person to work hard. As such, gift acceptance among White-Americans is a two-way traffic practice. One is expected to repay the gift in the same manner.
Finally, in resolving any potential conflict arising from these cultural differences, I will help everybody concerned to understand that there is no one superior culture. Every culture is right on its right; hence no need for one to be judgmental over cultural practices of others (Joachim & Joseph, 2011).
References
Arcodia, C., & Reid, S. (2008). Professional standards: The current state of event management associations. Journal of Convention & Event Tourism, 9(1), 60-80.
Hill, R., & Rapp, J. (2014). Codes of ethical conduct: A bottom-up approach. Journal Of Business Ethics, 123(4), 621-630.
Joachim, A. A., & Joseph, O. O. (2011). Ethical dilemmas in management: An African perspective. Journal of Business Systems, Governance & Ethics, 6(2), 36-44.
Romani, L., & Szkudlarek, B. (2014). The struggles of the interculturalists: Professional ethical identity and early stages of codes of ethics development. Journal of Business Ethics, 119(2), 173-191.