John Hooper

Bio: John Hooper is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Portrait & Monarchy. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 149 citations.

The New Spaniards

Abstract: Part 1 The making of the new Spain: economic and social change - from the "Years of Hunger" to the "Years of Development" political change - from dictatorship to democracy the centre falls apart socialist Spain not-so-socialist Spain the spirit of the new Spain. Part 2 The pillars of society: a modest monarchy the army - back in step? a dwindling flock - religion and the church. Part 3 Coming to terms with freedom: sex - the lid comes off...or does it? women on the verge of a nervous breakdown relative values high stakes a cult of excess invisible guardians - crime and the police the law and disorder. Part 4 Government and the individual: the state versus Juan Espanol the reluctant providers education - all change in the schools housing - through the roof. Part 5 Society reflected: the press - more influence than readers change "on the air" art and the possible - the politics of culture a journey without maps the taming of "the bulls". Part 6 A fissile state: centrifugal forces the Basques the Catalans the Galicians power to the regions the new Spaniards.

Wealth, Culture, and Corruption

Abstract: This paper examines the impact of national wealth, income distribution, government size, and four cultural variables on the perceived level of corruption in a country. The study finds that corruption is significantly correlated to GNP per capita, power distance, masculinity, and uncertainty avoidance. Significant interaction effects occur in collectivistic and high power-distance countries. Suggestions for future research are developed.

Consumption symbols as carriers of culture: a study of Japanese and Spanish brand personality constructs.

Abstract: This research argues that the meaning embedded in consumption symbols, such as commercial brands, can serve to represent and institutionalize the values and beliefs of a culture. Relying on a combined emic-etic approach, the authors conducted 4 studies to examine how symbolic and expressive attributes associated with commercial brands are structured and how this structure varies across 3 cultures. Studies 1 and 2 revealed a set of "brand personality" dimensions common to both Japan and the United States (Sincerity, Excitement, Competence, and Sophistication), as well as culture-specific Japanese (Peacefulness) and American (Ruggedness) dimensions. Studied 3 and 4, which extended this set of findings to Spain, yielded brand personality dimensions common to both Spain and the United States (Sincerity, Excitement, and Sophistication), plus nonshared Spanish (Passion) and American (Competence and Ruggedness) dimensions. The meaning of these brand personality dimensions is discussed in the context of cross-cultural research on values and affect, globalization issues, and cultural frame shifting.

Consumption Symbols as Carriers of Culture: A Study of Japanese and Spanish Brand Personality Constructs

Abstract: This research argues that the meaning embedded in consumption symbols, such as commercial brands, can serve to represent and institutionalize the values and beliefs of a culture. We conducted four studies to examine how the symbolic and expressive attributes associated with commercial brands are structured, and determine the degree to which this structure varies across three cultures. Relying on a combined emic-etic approach, we identified indigenous constructs of `brand personality' (Aaker, 1997) in two non-Anglo cultures (Japan and Spain), and compared these dimensions to those previously found in the United States. The results of Studies 1 and 2 revealed a set of brand personality dimensions common to both Japan and the United States (Sincerity, Excitement, Competence, and Sophistication), as well as culture-specific Japanese (Peacefulness) and American (Ruggedness) dimensions. Studies 3 and 4 extended this set of findings to Spain. Results from these studies also identified brand personality dimensions common to both Spain and the United States (Sincerity, Excitement, and Sophistication), plus non-shared Spanish (Passion) and American (Competence and Ruggedness) dimensions. The meaning of the culturally-common and -specific brand personality dimensions is discussed in the context of cross-cultural research on values and affect, globalization issues, and cultural frame shifting.

Understanding the "other side": intercultural learning in a spanish-english e-mail exchange

Abstract: Intercultural learning is often assumed to be an automatic benefit of e-mail exchanges between groups of learners in different countries, but little research exists on whether on-line intercultural collaboration does actually develop learners' understanding of the other culture's perspective and world view. This paper reviews what recent literature suggests intercultural learning to involve and then reports on a year-long e-mail exchange between Spanish and English second year university language learners. Using the results of qualitative research, the paper identifies key characteristics of e-mail exchanges which helped to develop learners' intercultural communicative competence (Byram, 1997). It also outlines elements of e-mail messages which may enable students to develop successful intercultural relationships with their partners.

Culture, Perceived Corruption, and Economics A Model of Predictors and Outcomes

Abstract: Corruption can impede commerce and economic development, yet it seems to be tolerated in many countries. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a model that integrates socioeconomic fact...