Certain societies tend more toward competition and productivity, while others favor cooperation and harmony. Some people believe they control events, other believe events control them. Societies differ in their attitude toward rules and laws some rigid, other flexible. There are different cognitive styles, including whether the focus is on the whole or the parts. Social Structure Cultures vary in group or individual orientation.
Some regions are egalitarian while others are authoritarian.
Building personal relationships is vital in many societies. Be aware of the differing roles of women in diverse cultures. Time Cultures vary in their emphasis on short term or long term. Pacing differs among societies some swift, some slow. People have different perceptions about the appropriate use of time.