According to Andriyenko (2010), culture refers to a set of principles, attitudes, and routines that a particular group of people identifies with. Therefore, culture shapes our communication, work, and other interactions (Hammond et al., n.d). The major aspects of one’s culture include language, religion, family customs, traditions, food, and mode of dressing (Hammond et al., n.d). On the other hand, reality construct is a sociological concept that explains how people perceive and present themselves in a social context (Connexions, n.d.). Consequently, reality construct dictates our culture. Therefore, individuals construct reality through the various dealings between them and others. Additionally, there is no better place for studying cultural interaction than in a business. This is because business practices are characterized by cultural attitudes. This essay presents an insight into reality construct and also explains how one’s construct helps define his perceptions of others.
Reality construct occurs when people internalize realities related to their experiences (Wehr, n.d.). They later act in accordance with these realities. This happens regardless of whether all people are in agreement or not. However, the conflicting parties later work together in finding a middle ground. This turns their conflicting interests into a problem that can be solved. Reality is, therefore, constructed through interactions (Connexions, n.d.). Consequently, societies are constructed through human interactions (Connexions, n.d.). This is what is referred to as habituation (Connexions, n.d.). In this regard, any action that is repeated regularly becomes a pattern. This pattern is replicated again in the future.
Understanding one’s culture starts with values learned from childhood (Andriyenko, 2010). For that reason, one’s culture is shaped by what he learns from society. A child is likely to repeat what he learns today in the future. The World Business Culture (n.d.) adds that how one is raised and trained to believe determines how he presents himself, perceives others, and how other people perceive him. In a nutshell, an individual’s perception of reality depends on his beliefs and background. Our beliefs and background constitute our culture. Therefore, culture shapes who we are. However, since other people created our cultures before us, we accept them as they are. This happens with little or no modifications to these cultures. For instance, my college appears like a college and not just a house because I and others have agreed so. Therefore, we construct reality by consensus. Likewise, cultures exist by consensus. For that reason, what is real must be socially acceptable (World Business Culture, n.d.). However, a person’s behavior can be shaped by constructing reality from a subjective angle (Connexions, n.d.). For instance, when a person is labeled an overachiever, he may end up being one. This happens regardless of whether the term was part of his character or not (Connexions, n.d.). Therefore, the successive definition of circumstances can greatly influence one’s construct. Sometimes, a false notion becomes true if acted upon.
Diversity is one of the greatest gifts that God gave to man. Furthermore, the difference between one’s culture and other people’s cultures is just natural. It is worth noting that the social construction of reality forms the base of our society. For that reason, the true picture of our society is influenced by how we define it. In social psychology, the different mental processes that a person uses to form impressions of others constitute perception (Cherry, n.d). Similarly, how we perceive others influence our action towards them. People perceive other cultures from what they hear from the media and other people. This leads to stereotyping other people’s way of life. As a result, the correct description of these cultures is distorted. Therefore, understanding other people’s cultures helps one perceive others positively. Furthermore, our day to day activities is determined by our experiences and backgrounds (World Business Culture). Consequently, different people have different cultures. Therefore, we should accept the fact that other people are different from us. Accordingly, their construct differs from ours. We should, hence, respect their ways of life.
One of the best arenas for observing culture in action is a business (Hooker, 2009). A business’s success is based on how well the manager and employee manage their constructs. Certain work environments might be comfortable to particular individuals, but not others. Additionally, certain management styles might be appropriate for some employees, but not others. For that reason, a manager should strive to balance his style with other people’s way of life. As a result, the manager will be able to get the best out of all employees.
Reality is constructed through interactions (Connexions, n.d.). Additionally, any action that is repeated regularly becomes a behavior that is replicated by successive generations. Therefore, by constructing realities, people determine their cultures. Culture is important to a person because it dictates his daily interactions. This is because culture shapes an individual’s communication, work, and other interactions. However, one’s constructor culture should not infringe on other people’s life. This is because we are different, and diversity should be respected.
References
Andriyenko, A. (2010). Is identity shaped by culture? Web.
Connexions. (n.d.). Social constructions of reality. Web.
Hammond, L.D., Austin, K., Lit, I., Nasir, N., Moll, L. & Billings, G.L. (n.d.). The classroom mosaic: culture and learning. Web.
Hooker, J. (2009). Cultural differences in business communication. Web.
Wehr, P. (n.d.). Social reality construction. Web.
World Busines Culture. (n.d.). Culture and business management: culture and business management. Web.