Activity orientation is a cultural value orientation that describes a society’s stance towards action versus reflection (Kluckhohn and Strodbeck, 1961). It categorizes cultures as “being,” “being-in-becoming,” or “doing.”
Being Orientation
In a “being” society, the self is defined by one’s relationships and living in the moment. The focus is on having a worthwhile and meaningful life through being present with others. In such cultures, public displays of affection (PDA) are often viewed as spontaneous expressions of affection and a way to connect with others (Michel, 2013).
Doing Orientation
In a “doing” society, the self is defined by what one does and the accomplishments achieved. The emphasis is on actions, and the measure of one’s worth is based on achievements. In these cultures, PDA may be viewed as inappropriate or disruptive, as it can be seen as a distraction from one’s tasks and goals.
Cultural Differences
Different cultures may have varying activity orientations, leading to different attitudes and behaviors. For example, in France, a “being” society, PDA is generally accepted and seen as a natural expression of affection. In contrast, in the United States, a “doing” society, PDA is often viewed as inappropriate or excessive, particularly in public settings.
Organizational Perspective
Activity orientation can also be applied to organizational structures. Activity-oriented teams organize around specific activities, such as analysis, development, or testing. This approach can have benefits, such as specialization and efficiency. However, it may also lead to a lack of collaboration and communication between teams, hindering the delivery of useful software (Fowler, 2016).
Conclusion
Activity orientation is a cultural value orientation that influences various aspects of life, including attitudes towards PDA and organizational structures. Understanding activity orientation can provide insights into cultural differences and help organizations optimize their structures and processes for greater effectiveness.
References
Fowler, M. (2016, June 1). Activity Oriented. Martin Fowler. https://martinfowler.com/bliki/ActivityOriented.html
Kluckhohn, F. R., & Strodtbeck, F. L. (1961). Variations in Value Orientations. Row, Peterson and Company.
Key Facts
- Definition: Activity orientation is a concept introduced by Kluckhohn and Strodbeck to describe the cultural value orientation towards action versus reflection.
- Being Orientation: In a “being” society, such as France, the self is defined by one’s relationships and living in the moment. The focus is on having a worthwhile and meaningful life through being present with others.
- Doing Orientation: In a “doing” society, like the United States, the self is defined by what one does and the accomplishments achieved. The emphasis is on actions and the measure of one’s worth is based on achievements.
- Cultural Differences: Different cultures may have varying activity orientations, leading to different attitudes and behaviors. For example, public displays of affection (PDA) are viewed differently in France and the United States due to their activity orientations.
- Organizational Perspective: Activity orientation can also be applied to organizational structures. Activity-oriented teams organize around specific activities, such as analysis, development, or testing. This approach can have benefits but may not always align with the goal of delivering useful software.
Michel, B. (2013, July 15). Personal communication.
FAQs
What is activity orientation?
Activity orientation is a cultural value orientation that describes a society’s stance towards action versus reflection. It categorizes cultures as “being,” “being-in-becoming,” or “doing.”
What is a “being” orientation?
In a “being” society, the self is defined by one’s relationships and living in the moment. The focus is on having a worthwhile and meaningful life through being present with others.
What is a “doing” orientation?
In a “doing” society, the self is defined by what one does and the accomplishments achieved. The emphasis is on actions, and the measure of one’s worth is based on achievements.
How does activity orientation affect cultural attitudes and behaviors?
Activity orientation can influence various aspects of life, including attitudes towards public displays of affection (PDA), work ethic, and organizational structures. For example, in a “being” society, PDA may be viewed as a natural expression of affection, while in a “doing” society, it may be seen as inappropriate or excessive.
How does activity orientation apply to organizational structures?
Activity orientation can be applied to organizational structures through activity-oriented teams. These teams organize around specific activities, such as analysis, development, or testing. While this approach can have benefits such as specialization and efficiency, it may also lead to a lack of collaboration and communication between teams.
What are the benefits of understanding activity orientation?
Understanding activity orientation can provide insights into cultural differences, consumer behavior, and organizational dynamics. It can help organizations optimize their structures and processes for greater effectiveness and improve communication and collaboration across teams.
How can I determine the activity orientation of a particular culture?
The activity orientation of a culture can be determined by examining its values, beliefs, and norms. This can be done through ethnographic research, surveys, and content analysis of cultural artifacts such as literature, art, and media.
Can activity orientation change over time?
Yes, activity orientation can change over time. As cultures evolve and adapt to new circumstances, their values and beliefs may also change, leading to a shift in their activity orientation.