In order to illustrate Cultural Dimension concepts you will watch the film OUTSOURCED (2006). In the Midterm Exam, you will be asked to refer to details from the film and show how they display specific cultural dimensions of India and the U.S.
OUTSOURCED is about an American man whose job has been moved (or “outsourced”) to India. He is tasked with going to India to train the workers to be productive. As you can imagine, he has to deal with his “culture shock”, and finds that he needs to make himself aware of Indian culture before he can have a positive effect on these workers.
The film is availble for you to view for free on TubiTV.comLinks to an external site.. TubiTV is a free, legal streaming service where you can watch movies with a few ads or commercials. You do not have to “sign in” or “register” with Tubi to see the film. Copy and paste link to watch movie ( https://tubitv.com/movies/528460/outsourced?start=true )
In the Midterm exam, you will be asked to apply Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and Halls ideas of context and time orientation. You will need to be able to “label” different cultural dimension of India based on what you see and describe specific relevant verbal and nonverbal communication details.
The movie is rated PG-13. There are a few minor instances of profanity. There is no violence, nudity or sex; however, there are some brief references to sexual situations at points in the film.
Please take time this week to watch the film. You will be able to see the specific Midterm Exam question about the movie before you take the exam, so you will know what you are looking for. You will need to refer to specific details from the movie in your exam answer.
The essay question on the Midterm that involves this film is posted below.
Essay Question on Midterm – The country of India can be considered a Collectivist, High Context, High Power Distance culture. America, on the other hand, tends to be an Individualist, Low Context, and Low Power Distance culture. Give examples from the film OUTSOURCED that illustrate these cultural dimensions and differences. NAME TWO OTHER types of Cultural Dimensions or Orientations that you found significant in addition to these three named. How are all of these dimensions/differences portrayed in the film? Make sure to point to specific instances and examples from the movie. Your answer needs to show knowledge and understanding of the Cultural Dimensions/Orientations and use details from the film to illustrate.
