Professor and cultural psychologist Michele Gelfand’s latest book, Rule Makers, Rule Breakers, explores notions of what she calls “tight” and “loose” cultures, and how each shapes us as individuals and the world around us. Tight cultures closely follow unwritten cultural norms, while those on the looser side have more latitude. Culture is complicated, she says, but understanding its nuances is key to understanding the world, Gelfand tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Episode Reference Links:Michele Gelfand Website / BioRule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight & Loose Cultures Wire Our World Mindset Quiz Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss introduces Michele Gelfand and her research on the study of culture and cultural intelligence.(00:02:33) Defining CultureA working definition of culture and the invisible impact of cultural norms, values, and beliefs.(00:03:46) The Tight-Loose SpectrumThe concept of tight and loose cultures and how social norms vary across cultures.(00:06:30) Cultural Variance within and between SocietiesVariations of tight-loose norms at national, state, and organizational levels,  and the role of threat in shaping these norms.(00:11:34) Cultural Intelligence in Global LeadershipHow the tight-loose spectrum and cultural studies inform leadership, and the significance of cultural intelligence (CQ) in global interactions.(00:18:59) Cultural Evolutionary MismatchImplications for global threats and societal responses.(00:23:56) Applying Cultural Insights in BusinessInsights on applying cultural understanding to improve business mergers, negotiations, and the success of expatriate assignments.(00:26:09) Enhancing Cultural IntelligenceImproving cultural intelligence and steps individuals can take to enhance their CQ and adapt to cultural differences.(00:28:48) Urban vs. Rural Cultural DifferencesTight-loose division in politics and societal contexts, and the cultural divide between urban and rural areas.(00:31:19) Conclusion
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