Discover Your Cultural Values with a Simple Test
What are cultural values, and how do they shape our behavior? Cultural values refer to the shared beliefs, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that characterize a group or society. They are integral to who we are and what we do, influencing everything from our communication style to our decision-making process. In today’s globalized world, understanding our own cultural values can help us communicate more effectively with others, appreciate diversity, and build stronger relationships. So, how can we identify our cultural values? One way is through a simple test that can help us reflect on our beliefs and priorities.
The Culture-Fair Values Inventory
The Culture-Fair Values Inventory (CFVI) is a self-assessment tool developed by Dr. Milton Bennett, a leading expert in intercultural communication. This test measures an individual’s cultural values based on six dimensions, which are as follows:
1. Individualism vs. Collectivism: This dimension measures the degree to which a person values independence and self-expression versus interdependence and group harmony.
2. High-Context vs. Low-Context: This dimension measures the degree to which a person relies on context, nonverbal cues, and indirect communication versus explicit language and direct communication.
3. Masculinity vs. Femininity: This dimension measures the degree to which a person values achievement, competition, and assertiveness versus collaboration, caring, and empathy.
4. High-Power Distance vs. Low-Power Distance: This dimension measures the degree to which a person accepts and expects unequal distribution of power and status within a society or organization.
5. High-Uncertainty Avoidance vs. Low-Uncertainty Avoidance: This dimension measures the degree to which a person tolerates ambiguity, risk, and change versus seeking stability, order, and predictability.
6. Long-Term Orientation vs. Short-Term Orientation: This dimension measures the degree to which a person values persistence, thrift, and tradition versus quick results, consumption, and innovation.
How to Take the Test
To take the CFVI test, you can access it online through the website of the Intercultural Development Research Institute (IDRI). The test consists of 30 pairs of values, and for each pair, you need to choose the value that is more important to you. The test should take around 15 minutes to complete, and at the end, you will receive a summary report that shows your scores on each dimension. The report also provides feedback and suggestions for improving your intercultural competence.
What Can You Learn from the Test?
Taking the CFVI test can help you discover your own cultural values and how they compare to the values of other cultures. For example, if you score high on individualism, you may prefer to work independently and express your opinions freely, which can be perceived as rude or arrogant in cultures that value collectivism and harmony. If you score high on uncertainty avoidance, you may feel uncomfortable with changes and risks, which can limit your creativity and adaptability in cultures that value innovation and flexibility. By becoming aware of your cultural values, you can be more mindful of how they influence your behaviors and attitudes, and how they interact with the values of other cultures.
Conclusion
Cultural values are a fundamental aspect of our identity, and understanding our own values can help us become more effective communicators and global citizens. The CFVI test is a useful tool for assessing your cultural values and developing your intercultural competence. By taking the test and reflecting on your scores, you can gain valuable insights into your own beliefs and priorities, as well as how they relate to the diverse values of the world. Cultivating cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity is essential for building trust, respect, and cooperation in today’s interconnected society.
