Decisions: Why the context is important while making decisions.
While seeking advice or observing someone else for making decisions you need to keep in mind that their journey, life experiences, relationships their way of thinking has been different so their context is likely to be different. What is common sense for a group of cardiologists may be hard for a group of criminal lawyers to understand. One may acquire new knowledge skills and mover around in different contexts to border horizon.
Social context - people you know, your personal and professional networks, relationship you have fostered at times running generations, family upbringing. It is well known that Inwar Kamprad, flew economy while his staff flew business class due to his humble upbringing and his thrifty nature.
Environmental context - opportunities that came your way what have you learnt. Sometimes it may seem obvious that you turn the tap of water on and drink water…… however in some other parts of the world that tap may only be operational once every three days and drinking directly may threaten you will a dozen of diseases. While traveling to many countries the level of hygiene and cleanliness may be different, what may seem clean to the locals may not be clean for an unsuspecting tourist. “Bali belly” is a known phrase being referred to as upset stomach for tourists traveling to Bali or in general from Australia to south east Asia. Lot of tourists constrain themselves of eating and drinking (“law of lemons in action here”) and miss out on good food and local drinks while the economy misses out.
Personal context - level of consciousness, self-awareness and being present, mindfulness, focus, sense of purpose may also vary among individuals. In a high-risk situation when emotions are running high, the link between head, heart, guts and the tongue may behave differently among different people. A friend of mine who worked in the defense forces all his life is known to have never lost his temper and dealt with most disturbing situations in the calmest possible manner. He has lived extreme physical environments, worked when he lost his wife at childbirth while being posted at front line. Worked because he had not other means for support. His friends wife took the responsibility of his children when he defended the national borders. His entire family is highly accomplished. I would have thought this experience would have hardened him, far from it is true. He is among the kindest souls who knows the value of life, and smallest thing in life. This influences every decision he makes with love, empathy, compassion, kindness and connectedness.
Cultural context - It also have many layers from ethnicity, to organisational culture in which one may be operating. Every culture has its own stories, morals and examples that are handed down through generations. Licking fingers and burping may be expected in certain cultures but may be considered primitive in others. Bargaining may be acceptable form of negotiating and purchase but unacceptable form in may environments. Strangely enough this cultural context encroaches in our lives and we knowingly and unknowingly follow those norms. Keeping work desk clean may be a welcome move in an organisation but lighting incense sticks may not be a welcome move unless you are in certain countries. I would recommend Prof. Geert Hoefstede work* in understanding cultural dimensions.
Economic context - your spending habits or saving habits may be different, someone with similar disposable income may choose to dine differently. Sometimes you will come across individuals with a poor man’s mindset when one aim’s to constrain their own potential by assuming lack of resourcefulness, potential and seeing the world in a self centered transnational manner. The result is even if they have wealth abound, they live a miserable life whilst others enjoy the spoils. Where as a rich person’s mindset zoom’s in on the ability to bring resources, create value, enjoy the spoils and share with others. They seed their exuberance and energy wherever they go. Have you come across both these types of individuals in your daily life? With the same level of wealth at their disposal they will behave differently and impact the outcomes in their life.
References:
*https://www.hofstede-insights.com
I would like to know how your decision making has been shaped by the context. Please do share your experiences here.
Best
Sbabbar
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