CHARACTERISTIC OF CULTURE

• Adaptable Behaviour

Culture is the characteristic of a particular group of people, defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and art. Culture is made up of the values, beliefs, underlying assumptions, attitudes, and behaviors shared by a group of people. Culture is the behavior that results when a group arrives at a set of – generally unspoken and unwritten – rules for working together.

The culture of Indonesia has been shaped by long interaction between original indigenous customs and multiple foreign influences. Indonesia is centrally-located along ancient trading routes between the Far East and the Middle East, resulting in many cultural practices being strongly influenced by a multitude of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam and Christianity, all strong in the major trading cities. The result is a complex cultural mixture very different from the original indigenous cultures.

Western culture has greatly influenced Indonesia in science, technology and modern entertainment such as television shows, film and music, as well as political system and issues. India has notably influenced Indonesian songs and movies. A popular type of song is the Indian-rhythmical dangdut, which is often mixed with Arab and Malay folk music.

Despite the influences of foreign culture, some remote Indonesian regions still preserve uniquely indigenous culture. Indigenous ethnic groups Mentawai, Asmat, Dani, Dayak, Toraja and many others are still practicing their ethnic rituals, customs and wearing traditional clothes.

Our culture has adapted to its surroundings to certain environment conditions and to the available natural and technological resources. The culture of city dwellers differ from that on villages. The cultures of those living in tropical area differ from those who live in ice and snow.

 

In the process of human life is always required adaptation to environmental attitudes. the length of the adaptation process can be different for each person, there is a quick and adaptable, there is also a tough is not easy to adapt. It all depends on yourself, whether to stick with his own ego or want to try to adjust to that life was harmonious. If we enter an environment we are definitely dealing with regulations.

Freely an environment, there must be rules. regulation is essential in order for life to be living in those environments running regularly. at first, it may feel awkward, but should still follow the culture and rules applied the new environment. Difficult one to adapt to its environment constitute conduct incompatible with the environment and can lead to the opposite behavior. This behavior can endanger yourself and others.

 One of the most common is the adaptation in a new family. For example by marriage, both husband and wife should try to adapt to each other, or between the daughter-in-law and vice versa. Especially when it comes from a different tribe, took time to adapt. although the communication was made, but did impose a new culture is not easy.

Another example is if a person comes from Java and then he moved to Bengkalis, Riau. Then he must adapt to the environmental conditions in Bengkalis. Must adapt, follow the rules in Bengkalis, either on the attitudes, behavior, culture, and customs. Although previously embraced the culture that is very different from the culture in Bengkalis, he should still strive to follow the culture and customs that exist in Bengkails. Because the culture of the urban population in contrast to the villagers, the culture of the country different from the culture of other countries. so, we should be able to adapt to suit the environment in which we live.

Adaptable behavior refers to behavior that enables a person to get along in his or her environment with greatest success. An as individual’s willingness and ability to adapt their manner of communicating, motivating, and managing, across countries and cultures.

Adaptable behaviour is ability to recognize, respond and work effectively with people, from different dominant ethnic and sub-cultures, who have different underlying values, assumptions, backgrounds, and perspectives from you.

Adaptable behavior includes the age-appropriate behaviors necessary for people to live independently and to function safely and appropriately in daily life. Adaptive behaviors include real life skills such as grooming, dressing, safety, safe food handling, school rules, ability to work, money management, cleaning, making friends, social skills, and personal responsibility expected of his age and social group.

Four basic levels of understanding on the path to adaptable behaviour:

1.    Cultural Awareness is the basic awareness that there are indeed differences between cultures, and that these differences impact communication, business processes and outcomes.

2.    Cultural Knowledge is when one understands cultures beyond one’s own (and beyond common stereotypes), and is able to consider similarities and differences between those cultures.

3.    Cultural Sensitivity adds the ability to read behavioral signals and patterns, and to understand how cultural differences translate into challenges which must be overcome to be effective in another culture.  It also entails a openness to new ways of doing business, and demonstrating respect for other cultures.

4.    Cultural Adaptability – the highest level – is demonstrated ability and willingness to adapt one’s style of communicating, motivating others, negotiating, managing, and/or leading teams in different cultures, to achieve outcomes in a cross-cultural environment.