Professor and cultural psychologist Michele Gelfand’s latest book, Rule Makers, Rule Breakers, explores notions of what she calls “tight” and “loose” cultures, and how each shapes us as individuals and the world around us. Tight cultures closely follow unwritten cultural norms, while those on the looser side have more latitude. Culture is complicated, she says, but understanding its nuances is key to understanding the world, Gelfand tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Michele Gelfand Website / Bio
• Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight & Loose Cultures Wire Our World 
• Mindset Quiz 

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ introduces Michele Gelfand and her research on the study of culture and cultural intelligence.

(00:02:33) Defining Culture

A working definition of culture and the invisible impact of cultural norms, values, and beliefs.

(00:03:46) The Tight-Loose Spectrum

The concept of tight and loose cultures and how social norms vary across cultures.

(00:06:30) Cultural Variance within and between Societies

Variations of tight-loose norms at national, state, and organizational levels,  and the role of threat in shaping these norms.

(00:11:34) Cultural Intelligence in Global Leadership

How the tight-loose spectrum and cultural studies inform leadership, and the significance of cultural intelligence (CQ) in global interactions.

(00:18:59) Cultural Evolutionary Mismatch

Implications for global threats and societal responses.

(00:23:56) Applying Cultural Insights in Business

Insights on applying cultural understanding to improve business mergers, negotiations, and the success of expatriate assignments.

(00:26:09) Enhancing Cultural Intelligence

Improving cultural intelligence and steps individuals can take to enhance their CQ and adapt to cultural differences.

(00:28:48) Urban vs. Rural Cultural Differences

Tight-loose division in politics and societal contexts, and the cultural divide between urban and rural areas.

(00:31:19) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook