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Week One Assignment-Reflective Essay Reflective Essay Write a 2-3 page essay in which you discuss your own cultural beliefs and values. How do your beliefs and values influence the way you view leadership? Post your essay on a Word file in the appropriate for Week 1. Click on the "Week One Assignment - Reflective Essay" link above to submit your assignment, as well to get more information regarding the due date and grading rubric.

Answer 1

• In my words, cultural belief is everything we do and how we behave that is not carried through our genes: it is acquired as we interact and grow within our social environment. Culture beliefs are seen in all facets of our lives. Your cultural beliefs are primarily determined by where you are from (originated and live for prolonged period). An individual who was born and bred in India (an Indian) will have strikingly different cultural beliefs and practices a French(man) or Ghanian or an Argentinian or Australian. Similarly, individuals born and nurtured in different religions will practice contrasting religious practices.
• Since,I am an Indian myself,my cultural beliefs and values are also influenced by how I have been brought up.India is determined by eastern and collectivist culture,the focus is on group and togetherness.Family values,living as a big unit,respecting elders etc. all are a part of our value system.The elders of the family are seen as leaders,who we have to obey and respect.Indian culture values unity and working together as well as looking up to one's elders.Authority of the elder is valued is respected since they have more wisdom and knowledge.
• Indian culture is a curious conglomeration of beliefs, some which are religious, and some which are demographic in nature.
• Indian culture is also authoritative. Indians manifest a certain amount of rigidity in our social and interpersonal conduct. The social do's and don'ts are sharply defined and conformity to them is demanded in many spheres of life. A strong need also exists for power and status and hierarchy is emphasised. The Indian need for power is also very strong. As individuals Indians are very prone to being dependent. That is, Indians tend to seek support, guidance and encouragement even in situations where they are perfectly capable and competent to make decisions and function without being patted on the back.
• Psychologically Indians feel more comfortable in a superior-subordinate relationship then in a peer relationship. The status for hierarchy manifests itself in a strong status orientation. Seniors and superiors are respected and obeyed. They are listened to more deferentially. They are expected to make decisions, which their juniors and subordinates are in turn expected to implement.
• Preference for hierarchy also fosters dependence proneness. The superiors and seniors create conditions where dependency is unavoidable or appreciated. The dependent ones are rewarded and independent subordinates are suspected and distanced. It is because of this that the subordinates seem to push the leaders further towards paternalism. They expect it, relish it, and feel motivated by a leader who functions as a benevolent figure.
• The genesis of this leader-subordinate relationship probably goes back to the early socialisation process, which makes even the adults in India strive for the father's approval. The father as the head of the family is respected and obeyed since he helps, guides, reprimands and encourages self-sacrificing behavior.
• Like a nurturing head of the family a good leader provides its team members an encouraging atmosphere to grow and thrive both personally and professionally. A leader builds cohesion among team members and lays great prominence on the growth of the team. Indian leaders also build employee dedication by encouraging sincerity by looking after the interests of its employees and their families.
• Humane relationships and behaviours’ are particularly valued in India ethos. Sensitivity for the personal circumstances of others is the foundation of family system. Empathy towards understanding others’ personal situation can go a long way for successful leadership, for e.g. inquiring about a sick parent, attending an employee’s wedding etc. fosters loyalty and gratis. This impacts the employee performance significantly. A humane approach by the leader towards life circumstances and events boosts the morale of team member and has a significant impact on employee performance in the long run for the positive.