Film American Factory

Introduction

Intercultural communication is becoming increasingly important in today’s globalized world, where people from diverse cultures and backgrounds contact each other more often. Effective communication and building successful relationships require understanding cultural differences, as these differences can significantly impact how people perceive, interpret and respond to various situations. The film American Factory provides an excellent opportunity to explore intercultural communication theories, as it portrays the cultural differences between China and the United States in a thought-provoking and insightful manner (Bognar & Reichert, 2019). Specifically, the film highlights the Value Orientation theory by Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck, which describes how different cultures prioritize various values such as individualism, power distance, and masculinity vs. femininity. The film also explores Hofstede’s Value Dimensions, further expanding on these concepts and providing a more in-depth understanding of how cultures differ regarding their communication styles and behaviors. This essay aims to discuss the cultural differences reflected in the film, using these two theories as analytical tools.

Body

American Factory is a documentary film that follows the story of a Chinese company, Fuyao Glass America, as it sets up a factory in Ohio, United States (Bognar & Reichert, 2019). The clash of cultures between the Chinese and American workers is evident throughout the film, providing a basis for exploring the different cultural values using the two theories.

Individualism vs. Collectivism

Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck’s Value Orientation theory provides a framework for understanding societal, cultural differences ‌ (Fatehi et al .,2020). By defining culture as a shared pattern of values, beliefs, and behaviors, the theory recognizes that cultural differences can impact how individuals within society interact with one another and approach their work and personal lives. The individualism vs. collectivism dimension of the theory is particularly relevant to understanding cultural differences in the workplace. In individualistic cultures like the United States, personal achievement and autonomy are highly valued, and workers are encouraged to pursue their goals and aspirations. In contrast, collectivistic cultures like China prioritize group harmony and interdependence, with individuals expected to place the group’s needs above their own.

American Factory, a documentary film exploring the cultural differences between Chinese and American workers, provides a compelling example of how these differences can play out in a real-world setting. Through interviews and observations of workers at a Chinese-owned factory in Ohio, the film highlights the differences in work ethic, communication styles, and social norms between Chinese and American workers. The Chinese workers brought over from China to work in the factory strongly emphasize group harmony and conformity (Bognar & Reichert, 2019). They are willing to work long hours without complaint and prefer group activities during their free time. Additionally, they show great respect for authority, deferring to their supervisors and managers without question.

In contrast, American workers are more individualistic in their approach. They prioritize personal achievement and autonomy and are reluctant to work overtime without pay. They prefer individual activities during their free time and are more likely to question authority.

Power Distance

Hofstede’s Value Dimensions theory provides a framework for understanding how culture shapes people’s values, beliefs, and behaviors in different societies. The theory highlights four dimensions of culture: power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, masculinity vs. femininity, and uncertainty avoidance(Kokkonen et al .,2022). Each of these dimensions represents a continuum along which cultures vary. In the context of power distance, high power distance cultures accept and even expect unequal power distribution in society. This means that people in high power distance cultures are more comfortable with hierarchical relationships, where those in authority are respected and obeyed. On the other hand, low power distance cultures promote equality and fairness, and people are more likely to challenge authority and demand to be treated fairly.

The film American Factory exemplifies how cultural differences in power distance can create challenges in a multicultural workplace. The Chinese workers in the film are shown as being comfortable with hierarchical relationships and accepting the authority of their supervisors. They also expect their superiors to care for and provide for their needs (Bognar & Reichert, 2019). In contrast, American workers challenge the authority of their supervisors and demand equal treatment and opportunities for all workers. These cultural differences can create misunderstandings and conflicts in the workplace, especially when workers from different cultures work together. For instance, the Chinese workers may perceive the American workers as disrespectful and insubordinate, while the American workers may see the Chinese workers as complacent and lacking initiative (Bognar & Reichert, 2019). Therefore, understanding cultural differences is crucial for effective communication and collaboration in a multicultural workplace.

Masculinity vs. Femininity

Hofstede’s Value Dimensions theory proposes that culture influences individuals’ attitudes, behaviors, and values (Kokkonen et al .,2022). One of the dimensions he identified is masculinity vs. femininity, which describes the extent to which a culture values traditionally masculine or feminine qualities. Masculine cultures value competitiveness, assertiveness, and material success, while feminine cultures prioritize caring, cooperation, and quality of life.

The film American Factory provides a compelling example of how cultural differences in masculinity vs. femininity can manifest in the workplace. The documentary follows the story of a Chinese company that opens a factory in Ohio, USA, and hires American workers. The film highlights the stark contrast in work values and attitudes between Chinese and American workers, who come from cultures with different levels of masculinity and femininity (Bognar & Reichert, 2019). The Chinese workers in the film prioritize material success and competitiveness, which are traditionally associated with masculinity. They work long hours and are focused on meeting production targets. They also value hierarchy and authority, as evidenced by their deference to their supervisors and willingness to follow orders.

In contrast, American workers prioritize the quality of life and cooperation, typically associated with femininity. They demand fair treatment, work-life balance, and union representation, which are important for their well-being. The film’s clash of these values and attitudes between the Chinese and American workers highlights the importance of understanding cultural differences in the workplace. Companies that operate in different cultures must be aware of these differences and find ways to bridge them to create a harmonious and productive work environment. By recognizing and respecting cultural differences, organizations can build stronger relationships with employees and create a more inclusive workplace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the film American Factory offers a compelling case study of the cultural differences between Chinese and American workers. Using Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck’s Value Orientation theory and Hofstede’s Value Dimensions theory as analytical tools, we better understand the cultural values, beliefs, and behaviors that influence how individuals interact in the workplace. The film highlights the importance of understanding these cultural differences to build effective communication and collaboration in multicultural workplaces. Specifically, the individualism vs. collectivism dimension, power distance, and masculinity vs. femininity dimension is explored in detail, demonstrating how these differences can create misunderstandings and conflicts in the workplace. Ultimately, American Factory underscores the need for cross-cultural understanding and collaboration in today’s global economy, as more people from diverse cultural backgrounds work together towards common goals.

References

Kokkonen, L., Jager, R., Frame, A., & Raappana, M. (2022). Overcoming essentialism? Students’ reflections on learning intercultural communication online. Education Sciences, 12(9), 579.

Bognar, S., & Reichert, J. (2019). American Factory [Review of American Factory].

‌ Fatehi, K., Priestley, J. L., & Taasoobshirazi, G. (2020). The expanded view of individualism and collectivism: One, two, or four dimensions?. International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, 20(1), 7-24.