Year: 1995
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study examined worldmindedness among college students at The University of Montana using the Worldmindedness Scale (W-Scale) developed by Sampson and Smith (1957).A student's Worldmindedness Score is determined by analyzing her or his answers to 32 questions concerning the issues of religion, immigration, government, patriotism, race, education, and warfare.Individuals who scored above the numerical neutral point of the W-Scale (a W-Scale score above 96) are identified as those who favor a world-view when examining problems of humanity and human rights.As anticipated, results o f this study indicated statistically significant differences in mean worldmindedness scores between international and U.S. students.International students were found to be significantly higher in worldmindedness than U.S. students from both Montana and other U.S. regions.Interestingly, results of the study also indicated statistically significant differences between mean worldmindedness scores o f women and men.Women were found to be significantly higher in worldmindedness than men.A search of the worldmindedness literature did not indicate previous reporting o f such differences.Other findings indicated higher worldmindedness scores for non-white ethnic groups, and for students who indicated "no preference" in their religious affiliation.Many of these findings are consistent with predictions made by standpoint theory, a theory which suggests that segments o f the population that are not consistent with the power center, or ideal o f the culture, are marginalized by their dissimilarity to the ideal, and are, therefore, more empathetic to other cultures, social groups, and segments which are also marginalized.However, empathy and cross-cultural tolerance, as defined by the W-Scale, have not been satisfactorily shown to be directly correlated with international success.This study raises questions about the relationship between worldmindedness and success in the international business environment.
Source: The Mathematics Enthusiast
Author: Heidi L. Connole
Language: English
Subfield: Communication
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2475281813