Theory/concept 3: Hofstede Power Distance

Resources Links:

https://www.mondo.com/blog-net-neutrality-impacts-businesses/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2017/12/08/the-impact-of-net-neutrality-laws-on-your-business/#2bd5c7a13662

https://hackernoon.com/net-neutrality-what-it-is-why-it-matters-and-how-it-affects-the-u-s-97ad7ecf1d98

1st Theory: Task vs Social Orientation

· What are the dominant values in our society that led to the net neutrality repeal?

· Are we assertive or nurturing? (Self-serving or belief in helping others)

· Which one are we choosing? Task or Social

2nd Theory: Individualism vs Collectivism

· Is our society as a whole individualist or collective?

3rd Theory: Uncertainty Avoidance

· https://clearlycultural.com/geert-hofstede-cultural-dimensions/uncertainty-avoidance-index/

Introduction: 

Theory/concept 1: Economic and Political Interdependence

Example 1: Political- How U.S always wants to be superior

Example 2: Political- everyone is treated the same in French, Yellow Vest Movement

Example 3: Economic-Rich get richer poor get poorer

As one knows, interdependence means that something depends on more than one thing or person. Politically and economically speaking, countries can depend on or gain ideas from each other through effective communication. At other times, countries differ than others and are not dependent policy or economically wise. Being that Net neutrality is the main topic, one can see a big difference in policies based on countries such as France and the United States. While the United States is in the process of slowly getting rid of Net Neutrality, France is progressing in enforcing it. In the first example, the political aspect will be discussed on the United State’s liking of remaining in power whether it is through politics or economics. Through capitalism, the U.S. sees this as a big advantage for businesses all across the country because it means that the companies will be making more money. A majority can associate more money with power. With Net Neutrality, the U.S. clearly visualizes a market for companies to make money by charging what they like for the services which can be seen as good and bad for consumers. Some might feel this is unfair and caters to wealthy customers while others feel that it gives opportunities for smaller companies. France is using their best efforts to try and give equal access to all users because they see it as a right rather than a necessity. Through these different viewpoints, one can see how countries value certain topics differently.

Theory/concept 2: Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism is defined as judging another culture and believing that the values and standards of one’s own culture are superior especially in regard to language, behavior, customs, and religion. Every person has their own cultural values which can influence on what is considered right or wrong. This leads to certain cultures believing that their beliefs and perspectives are superior to others. Ethnocentrism can have a positive and negative attitudes in cultures. Positive attitude towards one’s own ethnic/cultural group and a negative attitude towards other ethnic/cultural groups. It’s a debate whether ethnocentrism is reasonable or unreasonable mostly because it doesn’t have much rational when it comes to making a decision rather than I think my way is right just because of how someone’s culture perspective. This plays a part on the net neutrality issue and what exactly France thinks is right compared to the US and what they think is right, especially since they have very distinct cultures. (George) America and European countries like France practice different in many aspects. One of these aspects is net neutrality. Net neutrality is the principle that an internet service provider (ISP) has to provide access to all sites content and application at the same speed, under the same condition without blocking or preferencing any content. Many consumer groups and tech support net neutrality because many of them argued that without net neutrality we could lose access to free and open internet. One big fear is that smaller companies and startups will not have the same opportunities to grow if internet service providers can pick and choose companies and services to favor in what is called “paid prioritization.” Compared to the United States, France operates things complete opposite. France has a reasonable restriction on any explicit content online that involves children or minors. Material that can be viewed and considered as terrorist propaganda is also halted by internet service providers.

Verizon says about Net Neutrality:It does not want the internet to be treated as a utility, in spite of how important access to the internet is of tens of millions of people to find jobs, get an education and connect with the community.

AT&T says about Net Neutrality:A page on AT&T’s website states in large letters “We support an open internet.” that seems to be in support of net neutrality.

Comcast says about Net Neutrality:Comcast says it loves net neutrality. Comcast customers will continue to enjoy all of the benefits of an open internet today, tomorrow and in the future.

Example 1: What U.S. Thinks

Example 2: What French Thinks

Example 3: 

Theory/concept 3: Hofstede Power Distance

Example 1: Both have power distance 

Example 2: U.S. Federal Communication Commission

Example 3: French President;Power belongs to the people

Conclusion: