Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification Practice Exam

What are the four layers of Geert Hofstede's "cultural onion?"

1. Symbol, tradition, norm, value

2. Symbol, hero, ritual, value

3. Symbol, belief, custom, tradition

4. Hero, custom, ritual, tradition

The correct answer is: Symbol, hero, ritual, value

Geert Hofstede's "cultural onion" metaphor illustrates the different layers of culture, helping to understand how culture influences behavior. The correct answer identifies the four layers as symbol, hero, ritual, and value. Symbols are the most superficial layer and include words, gestures, and objects that hold particular meanings within a culture. Heroes represent people who embody the values of a culture, serving as role models or ideal figures. Rituals are the formalized and repeated actions that reflect cultural values, including ceremonies and everyday practices. Values are deeply embedded in the culture and reflect what is considered important or desirable, guiding behavior and attitudes. This layering model effectively conveys how deeper elements of culture are often hidden behind more visible elements, making it crucial to recognize and understand all layers for effective cross-cultural communication. The other answer choices do not correctly represent Hofstede's framework, as they mix different cultural dimensions or omit key components. Overall, grasping this model is valuable in professional communication contexts, especially when interacting with diverse cultures.