Ubuntu And Cultural Differences

Ubuntu concept


The concept of Ubuntu comes from the Bantu language, which is the traditional language of southern Africa. The professional Translation of a common used phrase is, "I am what I am because of what we all are." The overall concept of the population values ​​Ubuntu as a community, rather than taking an individualistic approach. The Zulu's  have a saying "umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu 'means a person is a person through other persons. The humanist way of life that keeps ethics and morality at the forefront of everything. The main ethical values ​​of Ubuntu has respect for others, helpfulness, community, sharing, caring, trust and altruism. Moral such as compassion, cooperation and communitarianism are very popular and well-being of any society is an overall objective.

"A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, do not feel threatened that others are able and good, because he or she has a good self-confidence that comes from knowing that he or she belongs to a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed "(Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 1999).


Although the concept of Ubuntu is an African philosophy and way of life, became more evident with the abolition of apartheid in South Africa. Leaders like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, spoke of using the concept of Ubuntu in a broader context in terms of policies and programs of the general relationships between people and organizations within an integrated system effectively.


"The spirit of Ubuntu, that profound sense that we are human only in African humanity of others - is not parochial phenomenon, but added the global search of a better world in common" (Nelson Mandela, 2000).


Culture


It 'important to understand the Ubuntu does not approach, or method of control. And 'deeply rooted in the culture of people living in the region of South Africa. Culture is defined as "the ordered system of meanings and symbols of social interaction takes place" (Geertz, 1973). This definition shows deep among the peoples of a culture and a common understanding of the sense and reason. Culture is defined as "the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one human group from another" (Hofstede, 1984). This definition suggests that when the person is already programmed, morals, behavior and the interaction between the meanings of that group can not be changed.


In fact, even if the environment changes and the individual to interact with people of different cultures, it is very difficult for individuals to adapt to a new culture, because they are already "programmed" with the norms of their culture.


Misunderstanding cultural management


When examining the differences in cultures and potential problems of misunderstanding and misconceptions that may arise mainly, it is important that common ground is reached, and careful consideration given to cultural norms opposing . This is one reason why more and more companies and people are using translation services.


"Workers in a South African mining company had a conflict with management. When they invited the CEO to issue regulations on the issue, their request was rejected. Instead of leadership responded by sending messages through emissaries and written statements posted on bulletin boards. Frustrated, the employees decided to strike "


This is an example of European leadership in South Africa working with a local workforce, but they failed to take into account local cultural norms and paid the price.