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A critical analysis of cultural metaphors and static cultural frameworks with insight from cultural neuroscience and evolutionary biology

Mai Nguyen-Phuong-Mai (Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Cross Cultural & Strategic Management

ISSN: 2059-5794

Article publication date: 19 September 2017

Issue publication date: 12 October 2017

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a critical analysis to address cultural metaphors – a much overlooked aspect of cross-cultural studies. Mainstream cultural metaphors (e.g. the iceberg, the software of the mind, the onion, and the distance) are not only limited in number, but are also overwhelmingly based on the static paradigm – as opposed to the dynamic paradigm that is often sidelined in academic discourse.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces the Diagram of Diversity Pathways – an interdisciplinary framework that sheds some light on how the inherent meaning and heuristic orientation of static cultural metaphors may stand at odds with evidence from the newly emerged field of neurobiology.

Findings

The implications of these metaphors are called into question, namely, culture is all about differences; values are stable; values guide behaviors; and values are seen as binaries.

Research limitations/implications

The paper suggests that theorists and practitioners should pay more attention to the contribution and scholarly work of the dynamic paradigm since there appears to be substantial compatibility between them.

Originality/value

The matching of neurobiology and dynamic paradigm brings into focus alternative metaphors which not only offer insightful perspectives but also may open doors to perceive culture in a new way. Furthermore, cultural metaphors deserve more academic scrutiny because metaphors and theory development can have a symbiotic existence.

Keywords

Citation

Nguyen-Phuong-Mai, M. (2017), "A critical analysis of cultural metaphors and static cultural frameworks with insight from cultural neuroscience and evolutionary biology", Cross Cultural & Strategic Management, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 530-553. https://doi.org/10.1108/CCSM-07-2016-0144

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

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