Thesis (doctoral) - University, Cambridge (England), 2000. / Includes bibliographical references and index.

Thesis (M.T.S.)--Catholic Theological Union, 1982. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 74-75).

This thesis examines covers of Elle fashion magazine, that comes out in different countries in the world, using chosen theories of cultural differences. The aim of this thesis is to answer a question whether fashion industry reflects cultural specifics of each country or if its a unifying type of (sub)culture itself. Theoretical part shows an overview of approaches to cultural differences and discusses how could these diffe-rences show themselves in fasion industry. Practical part - on samples of Elle fashion magazine covers - analyzes aspects chosen based on literature review.

This diploma thesis deals with the relationship between culture, creativity and urban development with a special focus on the project of European Capital of Culture (ECoC) and its implementation in Pilsen. This study evaluates the positive effects and potential obstacles of this initiative, particularly in the case of Pilsen which has been awarded this prestigious title for 2015. This study discusses the state of the project and the situation in the city during the preparation period. It not only discusses the positive and negative aspects of candidacy, but it also attempts to capture some deep-rooted reasons that have led to current issues. The situation in Pilsen is becoming very problematic and further progress seems uncertain. The most burning issues in Pilsen that occur in other post-socialist cities as well, are lack of understanding, lack of political support, politicizing efforts, commercialization, parochialism and insufficient financial resources. Implementation of this project on a "European level", within these countries appears difficult. This thesis, therefore, proposes some recommendations that may conduce to a more successful realization of the project. Key words: culture, creativity, city, European Capital of Culture, Pilsen.

The Work-Based Project (WBP) set out to explore how international students in a Swiss hospitality institution manage to cope with two quite different cultures to where they came from i.e. the Swiss national culture and the British academic culture. Previous research on international students have been in locations where the host culture student is in plentiful supply which is a way to help the international student adjust socioculturally. Within this WBP, the student body is made up of mainly international students and very few Swiss students. Concepts that were used to assist the exploration of this topic include: what influenced the choice of Switzerland and the institution as a place to study, along with how the information was searched for (Mazzarol and Soutar’s, 2002 Push-Pull Model; The Model of International Students’ Preferences by Cubillo, Sánchez and Cerviño, 2006). Hyde’s (2012) adaptation of Oberg’s 1960 stages of adaptation explored culture shock as a concept followed by Berry’s (1997) acculturation and coping strategies. It investigated the use of friendship networks as a way to help students cope in this new environment (Bochner, McLeod and Lin, 1977; Schartner, 2015). These models were used to provide a framework for the questioning used in the gathering of the primary research. The study is applied in nature and using a case study allowed for the exploration of the rich detail that was needed to understand how the international student feels in this environment and how they cope with it in an effort to instigate change as a result of the findings. Focus groups were used as a scoping tool to identify the key themes which were then developed into a questionnaire for distribution among the wider student body. The key findings indicate that reputation of Swiss hospitality education is influential in the decision making of the student. Word of mouth through previous students is a key way for the students to find out the information they believe they need. The findings revealed that the student views both the Swiss and academic culture of the institution as one and the same. The issue of culture shock is difficult to plot as there was such a mix of feelings identified when the decision to come to Switzerland is made and when the student arrives. The friendships that are generated have evolved since the creation of the Bochner et al (1977) Model and Schartner (2015) identified a newer group which could be added to this model i.e. friends back home as a way to help with psychological adjustment. The key conclusions drawn from the research indicate that the students use word-of-mouth to a great extent in preparation for their study abroad however, the information received is informal in nature. Those that used more sources of information felt they arrived more prepared. Friends were referred to throughout the study for many reasons however, the addition of the 4th group of friends i.e. friends back home, were used as a form of escape to cope with the challenges experienced (whether national or academic culture) due to both cultures being viewed as one and the same. Implications of this relate to how information is provided to the potential student Dissemination of the findings to those that prepare the students for their venture e.g. agents and those that have to help the student adjust upon their arrival e.g. institution members so that the student can adapt more quickly in the 18 weeks that they have to feel comfortable in their new environment.

This diploma thesis studies culture as a potential factor of a town development. The effects of the culture and its action of a town development are described on illustration of impacts of the project European Capital of Culture. There is foreshadowed how this project affects an economic situation, as is employment, various economic indicators, a town budget or possibilities of a draw from external financing arrangements. Last but not least there are mentioned effects which the culture has in a sphere of social areas, a competitive advantage, or a landscape planning.

The purpose of this research is to establish an innovative organizational culture in a Turkish software company. In order to do this, the perceived current and the preferred organizational cultures of the company were studied. The preferred culture of upper management and the differences between the perceived current and preferred organizational cultures by different employee groups were also investigated. The culture assessment was performed using Cameron and Quinn&rsquo / s (1999) Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI). According to the survey results, the company&rsquo / s current culture was Hierarchy culture, and the least perceived current culture was Adhocracy. The preferred organizational culture of employees was Clan and Adhocracy was the second. Top management&rsquo / s preferred organizational culture was Adhocracy. Different from the employees, top management also believed that Adhocracy also exists in the company after Hierarchy culture. After analyzing the company&rsquo / s current and preferred cultures, a model based on Lewin&rsquo / s (1958) model of Organizational Change was adapted. Lewin&rsquo / s model was modified by removing the first stage of the model: unfreezing / it is believed that there will be no resistance to change when trying to establish an innovative culture. As for further research, a tactical plan should be established according to the proposed actions and the model established for the company should be tested if it reaches its goal or not.

Originally presented as the author's thesis--Universität Osnabrück, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references.

National culture is deeply rooted in values, which are learned and acquired when we are young (2007, p. 6), and „embedded deeply in everyday life. (Newman & Nollen, 1996, p. 754). Values have helped to shape us into who we are today. In other words, as we grow older, the cultural values we have learned and adapted to will mould our daily practices. This is reflected in our actions, behaviours, and the ways in which we communicate. Based on the previous assertion, it can be suggested that national culture may also influence organisational culture, as our „behaviour at work is a continuation of behaviour learned earlier. (Hofstede, 1991, p. 4). Cultural influence in an organisation could be evidenced by looking at communication practices: how employees interact with one another as they communicate in their daily practices. Earlier studies in organisational communication see communication as the heart of an organisation in which it serves, and as „the essence of organised activity and the basic process out of which all other functions derive. (Bavelas and Barret, cited in Redding, 1985, p. 7). Hence, understanding how culture influences communication will help with understanding organisational behaviour. This study was conducted to look at how culture values, which are referred to as culture dimensions in this thesis, influenced communication practices in an organisation that was going through a change process. A single case study was held in a Malaysian organisation, to investigate how Malaysian culture dimensions of respect, collectivism, and harmony were evidenced in the communication practices. Data was collected from twelve semi-structured interviews and five observation sessions. Guided by six attributes identified in the literature, (1) acknowledging seniority, knowledge and experience, 2) saving face, 3) showing loyalty to organisation and leaders, 4) demonstrating cohesiveness among members, 5) prioritising group interests over personal interests, and 6) avoiding confrontations of Malaysian culture dimensions, this study found eighteen communication practices performed by employees of the organisation. This research contributes to the previous cultural work, especially in the Malaysian context, in which evidence of Malaysian culture dimensions of respect, collectivism, and harmony were displayed in communication practices: 1) acknowledging the status quo, 2) obeying orders and directions, 3) name dropping, 4) keeping silent, 5) avoiding questioning, 6) having separate conversations, 7) adding, not criticising, 8) sugar coating, 9) instilling a sense of belonging, 10) taking sides, 11) cooperating, 12) sacrificing personal interest, 13) protecting identity, 14) negotiating, 15) saying „yes. instead of „no., 16) giving politically correct answers, 17) apologising, and 18) tolerating errors. Insights from this finding will help us to understand the organisational challenges that rely on communication, such as during organisational change. Therefore, data findings will be relevant to practitioners to understand the impact of culture on communication practices across countries.

Thesis (MA (Counselling Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references.