ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY

College Of Businesses And Economics

Social Anthropology

INDIVIDUAL BASED HOME TAKE TEST AND EXAM

Name: Yabets Abebe

ID: UGR/7665/16
Section : COB_FBE 1

Submitted to Mr. Sebsibe

Submission Date: March

8, 2024

” KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, POWER IS EVERY WHERE”

our instructor Mr . sebsibe
Q1. 1. As a student in the Undergraduate Programmes of Addis Ababa University, social
anthropology is one of the courses in the curriculum. What is business anthropology as one of
the sub-fields of socio-cultural anthropology? Write a short essay that describes this sub-field on
a maximum of two pages, including those reference materials you have used in addressing this
question using the seventh edition of APA referencing styles (i.e., It is available on the Internet
for free of charge). (20 points)

Business Anthropology
Business anthropology is a sub-field of socio-cultural anthropology that focuses on the study of
human behaviour and cultural dynamics within business organizations and the broader economic
context. It applies anthropological theories, methods, and insights to understand and address
various aspects of business, including management, marketing, consumer behaviour,
organizational culture, and globalization. This essay will explore the key concepts,
methodologies, and contributions of business anthropology within the socio-cultural
anthropology framework.

Understanding Business Anthropology:

Business anthropology recognizes that business practices are not isolated from society but are
deeply embedded within cultural, social, and historical contexts. It examines the ways in which
people interact, negotiate, and create meaning within the organizational setting. By exploring the
cultural dimensions of business, this sub-field aims to enhance our understanding of economic
activities and their impact on individuals, communities, and societies at large.

Key Concepts in Business Anthropology:

 Cultural Analysis: Business anthropologists conduct in-depth cultural analyses to

understand how cultural values, beliefs, norms, and practices shape business
environments. They examine the influence of cultural factors on decision-making
processes, organizational structures, and business strategies.
  Organizational Culture: Business anthropology explores the shared beliefs, values,
symbols, and practices that shape the unique culture of an organization. It examines how
organizational culture influences employee behaviour, motivation, and job satisfaction,
and how it contributes to the overall success or failure of a business.
 Consumer Behaviour: Understanding consumer behaviour is vital for businesses.
Business anthropologists employ ethnographic research methods to study consumer
preferences, attitudes, and motivations. By gaining insights into the cultural contexts in
which consumers make choices, businesses can develop more effective marketing
strategies and products that align with consumers' needs.

Methodologies in Business Anthropology:

 Ethnographic Research: Business anthropologists often engage in ethnographic

research, which involves immersing themselves in the business environment and
observing and interacting with employees, consumers, and other stakeholders. Through
participant observation, interviews, and focus groups, they gather qualitative data to gain
a comprehensive understanding of the social and cultural dynamics within the business
context
 Applied Research: Business anthropology emphasizes applied research, aiming to
provide practical solutions to real-world business challenges. By employing
anthropological theories and methods, business anthropologists offer insights and
recommendations to improve organizational effectiveness, cross-cultural communication,
and intercultural collaborations.

Contributions of Business Anthropology:

 Cross-Cultural Understanding: Business anthropology promotes cross-cultural

understanding and sensitivity by recognizing and valuing diverse cultural perspectives. It
helps businesses navigate cultural differences in global markets and develop culturally
appropriate strategies that respect local customs and values.
 Innovation and Design: By incorporating anthropological perspectives into product
development and design processes, businesses can create products that better meet the
needs and preferences of consumers from different cultural backgrounds. Business
 anthropologists contribute to the development of user-centred designs, ensuring that
products and services are culturally relevant and user-friendly.
 Organizational Change: Business anthropology provides valuable insights into
organizational change processes. By understanding the cultural dynamics within an
organization, anthropologists can help businesses implement successful change
initiatives, foster employee engagement, and manage resistance to change.

Business anthropology bridges the gap between anthropology and business, applying
anthropological theories and methodologies to address the complex dynamics of economic
activities. By understanding the cultural contexts in which businesses operate, this sub-field
contributes to enhancing organizational effectiveness, marketing strategies, consumer behaviour
analysis, and cross-cultural understanding. Business anthropology offers valuable insights into
the interplay between culture and business, ultimately helping organizations navigate the
challenges and opportunities of a globalized world.

References:

Author Last Name, Author First Name Initial. (Year). Title of the article. Journal Title,
Volume(Issue),

Q2. As mentioned in class, you were randomly assigned to a certain ethnic group or people in
Ethiopia. Answer briefly the following five questions for the chosen ethnic group with
meaningful and complete sentences (20 points).

2.1. In your chosen ethnic group or people, how is a mate selection culturally being practiced
by a groom or a bride in line with certain strict cultural rules and regulations?

2.2. How many spouses does the bride or the groom have according to the specified cultural
rules and regulations in your chosen ethnic group?
 2.3. What are the economic considerations of marriage on the part of the involved individuals
in this permanent union of eligible men and women?

2.4. Where do the newly married couple live after the marriage ritual has been governed by
cultural rule - post-marital residence rule in your chosen particular ethnic group of Ethiopia?

2.5. What types of descent system or set of principles do the members of your chosen ethnic
group use(s) to trace their social recognition of the biological relationship that exists between
the individuals under consideration?

Qewama (Gwama) is also called Kwama. It is the name of a language spoken by a people
group of the same name. The Gwama are a mostly rural people living in the highlands on both
sides of the border between Sudan and Ethiopia. They are predominantly farmers. Literacy rates
are low, although many have expressed interest for learning to read in their mother tongues, as
well as learning other languages for wider communication. It seems that there are two Gwama
languages, both still used as first languages for all speakers in their respective groups. There is
probably a need for a Bible translation. Many men have some proficiency in a second language,
but the women are more likely not to and materials are needed and desired in their mother
tongues.

2.1 Mate selection

In the qewama ethnic group mate selection is culturally practiced with adherence to strict rules
and Wregulations. Both groom and bride typically established customs and traditions when
choosing a partner. These practices often involve considerations such as family approval,
compatibility based on social status and lineage, and the involvement of elders or community
members in the decision-making process. Mate selection in Qewama reflects the importance of
upholding cultural norms andmaintaining social harmony within the community.

2.2.NumberofSpouses
According to specified cultural rules and regulations in the Qewama ethnic group, the number of
spouses a bride or groom can have is usually limited to one. Monogamy is a common practice in
many traditional Ethiopian societies, including the Qewama community, where marriage is
predominantly viewed as a union between two individuals.
2.3.EconomicConsiderations
In the context of marriage within the Qewama ethnic group, economic considerations play a
significant role for the individuals involved in forming a permanent union. Economic factors
such as bride price, dowry, distribution of resources, and contributions to the household are
crucial aspects of marriage negotiations. These considerations may influence the decision-
making process and implications of marriage for both the groom and the bride, reflecting the
economic dynamics prevalent in the community.

2.4.Post-MaritalResidence
Following the marriage ritual governed by cultural rules in the Qewama ethnic group, the newly
married couple typically resides in a location determined by the post-marital residence rule
prevalent in the community. In many traditional Ethiopian societies, including Qewama, the
post-marital residence rule often dictates that the couple resides with or near the groom's family.
This practice aligns with patrilocal tendencies where the husband's lineage and family play a
significant role in the marital dynamics and household arrangements.

2.5.DescentSystem
Members of the Qewama ethnic group commonly use a patrilineal descent system to trace their
social recognition of biological relationships between individuals. In a patrilineal descent system,
kinship and inheritance are traced through the father's lineage. This system emphasizes the
importance of paternal ancestry, clan affiliations, and the transmission of property and social
status along the male line within the Qewama community.

By understanding these cultural practices and social structures within the Qewama ethnic group,
we gain valuable insights into the complexities of marriage, kinship, economic considerations,
and descent systems that shape societal norms and relationships within this unique cultural
setting