<p> The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between globalization and assimilation (dependent variables), and four contributing factors of culture, value, norms, and identity (independent variables) to determine whether managers in Trinidad and Tobago devalue their own culture to assimilate into a global culture. A researcher-constructed survey questionnaire was used to collect data from a random sample of respondents. The survey was analyzed utilizing both parametric and nonparametric statistical tools to answer five Research Subquestions. The one-sample t test was an appropriate tool to establish construct reliability and validity of assumptions for this quantitative study. Values were established to support the level of statistical significance for (p &lt; 0.05) effect as follows: a medium effect size (f2 = .15), alpha = .0.05, power = .80, yielding an acceptable sample size of 85 participants. Based on the evaluation of the statistical data, it was concluded (a) there was an impact of demographic factors on culture, values, norms, and identity; (b) global factors had no impact on culture, values, norms and identity; (c) the Trinidad and Tobago manager assimilated during international business meetings; (d) there was an impact of assimilation on culture, values, norms and identity in Trinidad and Tobago; and (e) there was no change in management behavior during international business meetings. Three implications resulted from the findings. First, from a theoretical perspective, based on the analysis of culture, managers were unaware of culture erasure. Second, from a scientific merit perspective, the ANOVA method optimized and validated causal-comparative effect of both measurement and structural models with the inclusion of interrelationships effects between variables. Finally, from a practical perspective, respondents perceived global factors had no impact on culture, but assimilation had a negative impact on culture. Based on the results, it was assumed the unique and distinguishable aspects of culture are disappearing, and the effects of globalization and assimilation have caused an unconscious reprogramming of collective behaviors, which resulted in culture erasure.</p>

<p> After experiencing the reality of life in the Caribbean for nearly two decades, I remain grieved by the level of suffering throughout the region, yet hopeful that a future of sustainable growth is within the realm of possibility. I am a first hand participant in and observer of the longstanding socioeconomic crisis that has forced the African culture in the Caribbean to repetitively ask the same question: &ldquo;Why is all this hardship happening to us?&rdquo; In order to participate in the solution, this project comprehensively explores the relationship between creative practice and the socioeconomic crisis in the Caribbean&ndash;&ndash;does limited access to environments that facilitate original and conceptual ideas correlate with the socioeconomic crisis in the region? Understanding the relationship and its outcomes could expose the source of long-term hardship and identify a path of sustainable growth for the African culture in the Caribbean. Accomplishing this objective required an analysis of four distinct perspectives: my observations as a participant in the culture, the historical progression of the region, recognized research that speaks directly to socioeconomic crisis and creative practice, and the voice of the culture. Reaching for clarity and rationale in answering the primary research question of this project&ndash;&ndash;<i>What is the relationship between creative practice and socioeconomic crisis in the Caribbean? </i>&ndash;&ndash;the highest priority of understanding and respect has been given to the voice of the Africans in the Caribbean. Therefore, the Afro-Caribs on St. John, United States Virgin Islands serve as the narrative to reflect the reality of life in a contemporary context for the culture. The outcomes and methods of analysis developed in this project should be a useful tool for other cultures seeking to alleviate socioeconomic crisis and implement a sustainable pathway of growth.</p><p> Keywords: <i>Caribbean, creative practice, creativity, socioeconomic crisis, development, decolonization, dependency, living systems, oppression, cultural conditioning, chaos, Africans, West Indians.</i></p>