The Cultural Imperative: Global Trends in the 21st Century

The Cultural Imperative: Global Trends in the 21st Century

by RichardLewis (Author)

Synopsis

Will the tidal wave of globalization lead us to a bland and uniform cultural landscape dominated by a unified cultural perspective? Will cultural imperialism triumph in the twenty-first century? Or will culture, which drives human behavior through religion, language, geography and history, maintain its influence on the human consciousness? In The Cultural Imperative, Global Trends in the Twenty-first Century , Richard D Lewis explores these questions and proposes his thesis in this sweeping new book that examines the forces that keep us from taking off our cultural spectacles and explains how cultural traits are to deeply embedded to be homogenized, as predicted by so many others. This is the cultural imperative. Lewis begins with a broad sweep of history and the spread of culture throughout the world, forming and reforming based on climate, religion, language, geography and environmental factors, and historical developments. He then turns his attention to categorizing cultures into three groups: linear-active, multi-active and reactive. Of course, we don't see our or others' cultures in such elegant terms; we all wear cultural spectacles, glasses tinted with our own biases. One of the highlights of the book is Lewis' explorations of cultural black holes - cultural aspects that hold such power that they figuratively suck in and obliterate any and all rational arguments or other cultural value sets. Lewis' Post-9/11 Epilogue adds more than his perspective on the current rise of extremism and terrorism. He outlines the rise of Islam, its days of glory, and the splendor of the Moorish cultural, scientific and architectural achievements. Nor does he let the West off the hook in his discussion, he reminds us of our cultural myopia and insensitivity, a fitting end to a book on cultural intransigency.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 634
Publisher: Intercultural Press Inc
Published: 26 May 2007

ISBN 10: 193193035X
ISBN 13: 9781931930352

Media Reviews
Richard Lewis's approach has been an absolutely marvelous way to get my students to appreciate how and why cultures are different, and how to benefit from this. It is great to see him now turn his practical wisdom to the future in such a spellbinding, readable and timely new book. A real imperative for understanding cultural trends! --Ulla Ladau-Harjulin, Principal Lecturer FRSA, Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration, Helsinki, Finland A very revealing and sometimes shocking vision of confrontation and/or cooperation of world cultures in the twenty-first century. A must-read in MBA programs and to be highly recommended to everyone involved with the study or practice of cross-cultural interaction and management. --Peter N. Shikhirev, PhD, Director, Centre for Social and Psychological Studies, Graduate School of International Business, Academy of National Economy by the Government of Russia Richard Lewis has developed a rich and powerful tool that serves to disseminate cultural complexities, which allows for leveraging opportunities and minimizing threats. Such issues would be paramount in any international business situation... A global mindset is imperative for us all. --Marta Szabo White, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, J. Mack Robinson School of Business, Georgia State University [The] thesis of the book is the argument linking cultural dimensions of nations to national competitive advantage. Richard Lewis develops a simple yet convincing model for understanding the historical evolution of the major national cultures and their juxtaposition to the rest of the world to day. The value of [The Cultural Imperative] is its new way of weaving a new explanation for considering the role of national cultures, language development, national aspirations and history in understanding the sources of future conflicts relating to global economic development. --Arie Y. Lewin, Professor, Director Center for International Business Education and Research, The Fuqua School of Business, Duke University Richard Lewis' extensive experience and knowledge of many cultures provides rich anecdotes coupled with interesting insights and opinions. The book stimulates personal reflection on the continuing importance of culture in a globalizing economy. --Susan Schneider, Chaired Professor of Human Resource Management, HEC University of Geneva
Author Bio
Richard D. Lewis was knighted in 1997 by President Ahtisaari of Finland for his services to the country spanning fifty years. He is chairman of Richard Lewis Communications, an international institute for cross-cultural and language training with offices in more than a dozen countries. Richard Lewis lectures and consults worldwide with clients that include Mercedes-Benz, Nokia, Rolls Royce, Volvo, Deutsche Bank and Unilever. Among his many books are When Cultures Collide and Finland: Cultural Lone Wolf. For more information, visit his website at www.crossculture.com/rdl/rdl.html