In today’s interconnected world, understanding how diverse cultures communicate is more important than ever. This reflection explores the similarities and differences between American and Kenyan cultures through Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory and the African moral principle of Ubuntu. It focuses on three key areas: individualism versus collectivism, power distance, and communication style. Examining how each culture approach’s identity, authority, and social interaction aims to develop greater empathy, ethical awareness, and cross-cultural communication skills.

Cultural Reflection: American Values and Communication

While cultural values influence several parts of our lives, their impact on leadership, conflict, and education is noticeable. Recognizing how these values shape how people interact is essential for building meaningful relationships in today’s diverse world. In this reflection, I compare American and Kenyan cultures by looking at individualism versus collectivism, power distance (respect for authority), and communication styles. Using (Hofstede, Culture’s Consequences, 2001) Cultural Dimensions Theory and the African philosophy of Ubuntu, I explore how our upbringing and beliefs influence how we see others and how we behave. The goal is to grow in cultural awareness and improve how we communicate across differences.

The difference between individualism and collectivism is seen in how each culture views family and social life. Each society develops its values based on its environment and traditions—neither is better. Instead, they offer different strengths and challenges. In individualistic cultures like the United States, people value independence, self-expression, and personal freedom. Individuals should pursue following their paths and speak their minds. While this can foster creativity and personal growth, it can also cause disconnection, inequality, and a lack of support systems. Although, some people in the U.S., especially those in low-income communities, are left without help, which contributes to problems like homelessness and limited access to resources.

On the other hand, Kenyan culture focuses on family networks and community. The philosophy of Ubuntu— “I am because we are”—shows how deeply people see themselves as part of a group (Mbiti, 1990). Kenyans grow up with strong family bonds and a sense of responsibility to the people around them. Their nuclear family often includes extended relatives like aunts and uncles, creating a larger support system among many American families might not experience. Respect for elders, shared values, and communal living are a big part of daily life. Conflict is avoided to keep peace, and disagreements are usually managed quietly, often with the help of respected community members.

However, just like individualism has its downsides, collectivism does too. In Kenya, the pressure to follow group norms can make it hard for people to express their individuality. The younger generation might feel torn between tradition and modern influences. The value of group harmony sometimes leads to groupthink, where people avoid saying something different just to keep the peace. This can hold back innovative ideas or discourage someone from standing out or being different.

As we look at individualism and collectivism, we must understand that both systems have positive and negative sides. American culture may encourage independence, but it can also lead to isolation. Kenyan culture may offer strong community ties but can limit personal freedom. These differences shape how people lead, solve problems, and learn—reflecting the values at the heart of each culture.

Perception Analysis and Reflection

Our feeling is profoundly shaped by the culture we grow up in. For example, in American culture, authority is seen as approachable and open to challenge. Americans do not always view authority through a strict hierarchical lens. According to Hofstede (2001), the United States scores low on power distance, meaning people often believe in fairness and equality regardless of status. Employees usually call their bosses by their first names, and students often question teachers. We are taught that leaders should be open to feedback and that everyone can speak up. Our Constitution even protects our freedom of speech, giving people the right to express their ideas without fear of punishment (United States Constitution, 1791).

That said, while Americans still respect authority, it is often based more on leadership ability, knowledge, and fairness than age or social position. Over the past few decades, our feeling of authority has shifted. We value open dialogue and informal communication, even in professional or political settings. That is a significant difference from cultures like Kenya’s, where respect for hierarchy is still central to communication.

In Kenyan culture, power distance is more significant. There is a strong expectation to show respect to older adults and authority figures, especially among younger generations. Using formal titles and speaking with politeness are signs of respect. This system is not just about status but about honoring tradition and supporting social harmony. These values are woven into daily interactions and professional settings, making hierarchy important in communication.

Reflecting on these differences helped me understand how cultural backgrounds influenced how we interact with authority and communicate in general. Growing up in a culture of equality and independence, I viewed casual communication and direct feedback as normal—even respectful. But in a Kenyan context, that same style might come off as too forward or disrespectful. This made me realize that my communication habits, although natural, are not universal.

Through this reflection, I have seen how belief theories like selective feeling and attribution theory have influenced how I have interpreted others. For instance, when I met someone from Kenya who was more reserved or hesitant to speak up, I assumed they lacked confidence. They showed respect for hierarchy and social harmony—values deeply rooted in their culture. My selective belief led me to focus on what felt “normal” and miss the meaning behind their behavior.

Attribution theory also helped me realize that I sometimes misread others’ actions by assigning motives based on my cultural lens. I might have thought someone was avoiding conflict out of fear when they were following cultural norms that value peace and group unity.

Understanding these misjudgments has helped me grow. I am now more aware of how culture influences the way people communicate and how I interpret their actions. What I once considered neutral or ideal communication now feels more like one cultural style. This awareness pushes me to stay open, compassionate, and flexible in interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.

Empathy and Ethics Reflection

Exploring the Ubuntu philosophy— “I am because we are”—shows how deeply it shapes African values and can help build empathy across cultures (Mbiti, 1990). Mbiti explains that African communities prioritize the group over the individual, focusing on family, unity (Umoja), and shared responsibility. These values encourage people to care for one another and view themselves as part of a larger, interconnected community. In Kenya, this is reflected in how people communicate—with respect, humility, and an emphasis on harmony, especially when speaking to elders or those in leadership.

In contrast, the United States emphasizes individualism. Americans often value directness, honesty, and independence, even when interacting with people in authority. These communication habits reflect deeper beliefs about freedom and personal expression. That is where Hofstede’s concept of power distance comes in—it helps explain how both American and Kenyan cultures understand respect, hierarchy, and authority in communication.

In American culture, communication is shaped by low power distance and high individualism. People believe everyone should be able to express themselves openly, regardless of their status. It is common for employees to call their managers by their first name, and children are encouraged to speak up in conversations with parents or teachers. These practices reflect the idea that every voice matters. According to Hofstede (2001), low power distance cultures like the U.S. promote open discussion, collaboration, and respectful disagreement—even across authority lines—as ways to support growth and innovation.

However, what feels open and respectful in the U.S. often misinterpreted in high power distance cultures. American communication may seem too casual or even disrespectful to people from cultures that value hierarchy and formal interaction. The American style is rooted in values like personal freedom and self-expression, built around questioning authority when necessary.

Kenyan communication, by contrast, reflects high power distance and collectivist values. Interactions with elders, leaders, or authority figures are more formal. Titles and honorifics are essential, and direct disagreement is often avoided out of respect. Listening carefully and speaking thoughtfully are signs of politeness, and preserving group harmony is a top priority. As Mbiti (1990) notes, the focus on collective well-being over personal expression is deeply rooted in African worldviews. While this approach fosters strong community bonds and respect, it can sometimes limit individual creativity or discourage dissent.

Even with these differences, American and Kenyan cultures work toward the same goal—functional, respectful societies. While Americans may focus on individual voice and innovation, Kenyans prioritize community and solidarity. These are two ways of showing care and respect, shaped by cultural context.

Reflecting on these communication styles has changed how I understand empathy and ethics. In American culture, empathy is often encouraged through media—books, movies, and documentaries that help us understand other perspectives. However, these tools only go so far since they usually reflect the narrator’s lens. Genuine empathy grows through direct experience, through travel, conversation, and honest reflection on cultural differences (Hofstede, Comparing value, behaviors, institutions, and organization across nations (2nd ed.), 2002).

Kenya’s ethical approach is embedded in community life. Shared values and collective responsibility guide moral behavior. The belief that “we are because of others” is not just a saying—it is a lived reality. In this system, morality is shaped by what benefits the group, not just the individual. This reminds me that while we may approach ethics and empathy differently, we often aim for the same thing: understanding, fairness, and connection.

Through my learning, I have become more aware of how cultural values shape the way we communicate, make decisions, and treat others. Moving forward, I will continue practicing empathy through words and actions—by showing respect, listening with care, and being socially responsible in how I engage with people from other cultures.

Action Plan for Cultural Competence

Increase cultural self-awareness toward developing a greater insight into my self-awareness (Developing Skills from Opportunities, 2023). Growing up in America, learning independently, directness, and personal growth. Yet, recognizing other backgrounds shapes my belief, which is vital for communicating effectively with groups from collectivist cultures like Kenyan or Swahili communities. Therefore, awareness of unfamiliar cultures helps me realize the values of communal support, indirect communication, and group responsibility.

Learning about other cultures expands my knowledge and deepens my appreciation of perspectives different from those of American culture. This includes reading literature on African tradition, Ubuntu, and connecting with people from various backgrounds. Expanding your experience helps amplify your belief system to respect communication styles from other cultures and promotes harmony, hierarchy, and communal well-being.

Practice empathetic and inclusive communication and effective interaction with others’ cultures. When learning about other cultures, I make it a point to be mindful of nonverbal cues and non-judging behavior of my personal beliefs. My main goal is to learn much from other cultures to help expand my knowledge base. However, this will encourage a shared dialogue of empathy and understanding of diverse needs.

Adapting communication in cross-cultural settings requires consciously adjusting verbal and nonverbal behavior based on the cultural context. My response is always respectful of other languages, and proper greetings will help build mutual trust and respect.

Building and supporting diverse relationships, both personal and professional growth, gives opportunities from various backgrounds—inclusive viewpoints or experiences foster relationships among diverse cultures. Promoting diversity helps communities grow and expand communication and networking.

Committing to lifelong growth and reflection is a journey that redefines one’s characteristics and promotes unity through feedback and observation, open dialogue, and asking respectful questions for ongoing development.

In conclusion, reflecting on American and Kenyan cultures has shown me how deeply our values influence how we communicate, build relationships, and understand authority. American culture often promotes freedom, equality, and personal expression, while Kenyan culture strongly emphasizes family, community, and respect for hierarchy. These differences do not make one better than the other; they simply reflect the unique beliefs and traditions that shape each society.

Learning about Ubuntu and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions helped me realize that communication is not just about language—it is about understanding where someone is coming from and respecting their perspective. Whether being more mindful in how I speak to someone from a high-power distance culture, or listening more carefully to someone who communicates indirectly, these lessons have taught me to pause, reflect, and approach conversations with empathy and humility.

Cultural competence is not about knowing everything but about being willing to learn, ask questions, and challenge our assumptions. As I move forward, I am committed to building stronger, more respectful connections by applying what I have learned, staying open to new experiences, and continuing to grow in empathy and understanding. In a diverse world, the more we know about others, the more we discover ourselves.

Works Cited

Developing Skills from Opportunities. (2023, March 24). Retrieved from PittBusiness: https://pittbusinesstotheworld.com/2023/03/24/developing-skills-from-opportunities/

Freedom of Speech. (1791). Retrieved from The First Amendment Freedoms of Speech, Religion, and the Press – FindLaw: https://constitution.findlaw.com/amendment1.html

Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture’s Consequences. In G. Hofstede, Comparing value, behaviors, institution, and organization across nations (2nd ed.) (p. 89). Sage Publication.

Hofstede, G. (2002). Comparing value, behaviors, institutions, and organization across nations (2nd ed.). Retrieved from Culture’s consequences: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/031289620202700105

Mbiti, J. S. (1990). Ubuntu philosophy. In J. Mbiti, African religion and philosophy (2nd ed.). Heinemann.

Written by: Greg MD