Module 4: Ethics and Cultures

Culture is a particular society at a particular time and place. There are three levels of cultures. The first level included evidence such as signs, stories, clothing and etc. The second level of culture is represented by the adopted values of a group. The third level of culture is the basic assumptions. However, cultural understandings are sometimes much different between societies, nations or countries. Some practices that are considered as ethical practices in one nation may be considered as the unethical practices in another nation. The ethicality of a decision lies not in the behavior displayed or the decision taken, but in the fact taught that preceded the behavior or decision.

Courtesy which means good manners is a must in oneself. If a man is gracious and courteous to strangers it shows he is a citizen of the world. In order to be respected, we must first show respects to others. Simple actions like the way we speak would indicate whether we possess good manners or discourteous. That is why it is so important for us to practice good manners since we were a child.

Malay proverb “Ikut resmi padi semakin berisi semakin tunduk” or “Follow the nature of the paddy, the more it possesses the more it will bow” means that the more possessions we have, the more humble we should be. We should not be arrogant when we have power or knowledge. Instead, we should share our knowledge with others so that we could make use of it. We should be humble even if we have the power or knowledge.

Backbiting means saying mean things behind someone’s back or acknowledge. It is a common thing in the society as people nowadays do not satisfy with what they have and therefore, will do such actions because of jealousy. For example, some people might backstab their colleagues in order to get promotions and benefits.

In this module 4, I learned that we must practice good manners in communicating with the society. We must respect them regardless of their background. We should be humble even when we have the knowledge and power in order to gain other people’s respects.