Bridging our world Intercultural awareness training Presentation by

Bridging our world. Intercultural awareness training. Presentation by Ellen O’Brien International Careers Consultant International Careers Adviser

Aims of the session To help improve your communication skills by introducing concepts of cultural difference and giving the opportunity to explore solutions. earning Outcome: Be better equipped to communicate effectively across cultures.

Intercultural Competence • • The capability to shift cultural perspective and adapt behavior to cultural commonality & difference • Deep cultural self-awareness • • • Deep understanding of the experiences of people from different cultural communities—in perceptions, values, beliefs, behavior and practices • • Ability to adapt—or bridge—across these various cultural differences

‘Culture’ can be broadly defined as a system of beliefs and values shared by a particular group of people. “We don’t see things as they are, but as we are” Anais Nin Cultural Awareness means “being aware of and understanding your own culture to help you achieve the same of other cultures” Even if you are from an English speaking country, you should not assume that you are informed about other English speaking cultures.

What is your stereotype? • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=D -C 2 R 9 w. ME 4 o • Discuss the stereotypes of your country and others you have come across. • British stereotypes? • What are the dangers of stereotyping?

Complex cultures-complex individuals • Ignoring the complexity can lead to stereotyping or an “us and them” attitude to people from other cultures • It is, therefore, important to respond to people according to how you find them and work out how to communicate as you go along, if necessary

In two minds… • Intercultural experiences affect us at two levels - conscious and unconscious • They can be surface (attentive mind) Or deep (intuitive mind) • (Shaules 2014)

Keep in mind • • The intuitive mind is shaped by cultural patterns The effects of culture on cognition are powerfully invisible to us. That is why foreign experiences = eye opening Globalisation has not eliminated cross-cultural challenges “The Oz moment” Culture shock is a form of cognitive overload!

Culture shock: The W Curve

Culture Shock – the W Curve • • • Stage One - Honeymoon stage Feelings of anticipation and excitement. Differences are intriguing Stage Two - Distress phase Reality sets in-homesickness Stage Three – Adjustment phase Students may become critical of host culture and compare it unfavourably with their own Stage Four - Autonomy stage Students begin to appreciate the differences Stage Five - Independence stage Students move easily between cultures

Culture Shock –Key points • You may move backwards and forwards between these stages • Not all of you will reach the Independence phase, depending on your length of stay and experiences • Students who have good experiences are likely to adapt more quickly - they need guidance and help to solve problems and find their way around their new environment

8 Key Cultural Dimensions • • Task Focus Strict Time Explicit Communication Achievement is important Egalitarian Emphasis on Individual Tolerant of uncertainty One Rule fits all Relationship Focus Flexible Time Implicit Communication Status is important Hierarchical Emphasis on Group Preference for Certainty Adapts to the situation

Expressing Emotions Neutral • Emotionally detached • Unemotional responses • Uses logical argument Emotive • Emotional behaviour • Dramatic • Openly discuss feelings • Tactile Where do you fit in? Are you typical of your culture?

Countries Neutral • Japan • China • UK • Africa Emotive • Southern Europe • Latin America • Ireland • Arab States

Give and take What are the issues and challenges involved in working in multi-cultural settings? How do we resolve these?

Challenges of working in multicultural settings • Communication and Language • Cultural Patterns of Behaviour • Cultural traditions and Religious Practice • Body Language • Dealing with Conflict

Discussion Question How would you personally FEEL if you had a disagreement or conflict with another person and that individual did not want to directly discuss the situation or problem with you? Uncomfortable 1 2 3 4 5 6 Comfortable

Discussion Question How would you personally FEEL expressing strong emotions such as anger during a disagreement or conflict at work? Uncomfortable 1 2 3 4 5 6 Comfortable

Would you…. . Individuals were asked how they would behave if they felt upset about something at work. Would you express your feelings openly at work? Percentage of respondents who would not show emotions Openly 15% Kuwait 18% 19% 43% Oman Egypt US Copyright, 1998 -2012, Mitchell R. Hammer, Ph. D. , IDI, LLC, used with permission 49% 51% 74% Canada India Japan 81% Ethiopia

Proverbs • “The first to raise their voice loses the argument” --Chinese proverb • “What is nearest the heart is nearest the mouth --Irish Proverb • “After a storm, fair weather; after sorrow, joy” --Russian proverb • “Silence produces peace, and peace produces safety” --Swahili proverb

How do you respond? • • Recognise Differences Build your own self awareness Acknowledge own prejudice Don’t assume your interpretation is correct Give your time and attention when communicating Don’t make assumptions about patterns of behaviour Acknowledge your mistakes

Learning About Other Cultures; Use the process Describe, Interpret, Evaluate ENRICH Your explanatory model “how does this fit the big picture? ” OBSERVE An event or behaviour “look at what they just did!” INVESTIGATE Local background “any explanations for this attitude? ” REFLECT On the motivation “what might make them do that? ”

You may be seeking a job, internship, or simply looking to explore opportunities in other countries. For these and other global career interests, the system provides extensive resources, guidance, strategies and tools to help you make your career move to 81 countries. To access Passport Career for the first time: • • • Go to www. Passport. Career. com Click on ‘Have a Registration Key? ’ (upper right corner of the homepage) Enter the following registration key: ubbus 678 (all lowercase) Fill out the brief registration form. Use your email/password to login in the future.

Referrals • ISAS http: //www. as. bham. ac. uk/studentlife/international/index. shtml • Counselling http: //www. as. bham. ac. uk/studentlife/counselling/index. shtml • When Cultures Collide: Leading across cultures: Richard D Lewis nb 2009 • Connections- Developing a Global Outlook; jurvetson on flickr • Cultural Connections; British Council; Education UK • Mind Tools; Essential skills for an excellent career www. mindtools. com • UKCISA http: //www. ukcisa. org. uk/ • The Intercultural Mind: Shaules, Intercultural Press (2014) • • Watching the English: Kate Fox, Hodder and Stoughton (2004)