Cross-Cultural Differences - how to manage and benefit from them

How To Manage and Benefit from

Cross-Cultural Differences

Culture is the "lens" through which people view the world. It is central to what they see, how they make sense of what they see, and how they express themselves. Culture in general is concerned with beliefs and values on the basis of which people interpret experiences and behave, individually and in groups.

Cultural Differences hidden and visible, tree metaphor, Vadim Kotelnikov

What is Culture?

"Culture" refers to a group or community with which you share common experiences that shape the way you understand the world.

The same person, thus, can belong to several different cultures depending on his or her birthplace; nationality; ethnicity; family status; gender; age; language; education; physical condition; sexual orientation; religion; profession; place of work and its corporate culture.

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Admire cultural diversity and benefit from it. Love the World, love all people, and you will feel at home everywhere!

~ Vadim Kotelnikov

Of course, it is very helpful to understand and appreciate cross-cultural differences, but even more helpful is to understand that love is the answer to all questions.

It is love that underlies the multicultural unity of the Innompians who are transforming Earth to a Planet of Loving Creators.

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		Cultural Intelligence Cultural intelligence (CQ) is your ability to grow personally through continuous learning and good understanding of diverse cultural heritage, wisdom and values, and to deal effectively with people from different cultural background and understanding... More Social Intelligence Social intelligence is the capacity to know oneself and to know others... More
		Social Generations ▪ Multicultural Collaboration Working Together: Patterns of Cultural Differences

East vs. West

Western cultures promote an independent social orientation that values autonomy, self-expression, and individual achievement.

Eastern and Latin American cultures promote an interdependent social orientation that values harmony, relatedness, and success of the in-group.

Researchers observed also different patterns of perceiving and thinking in different societies. Westerners tend to think more analytically and East Asians tend to think more holistically.

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Four Cultural Dimensions

Cultures – both national and organizational – differ along many dimensions. According to Geert Hofstede, the Four most important cultural dimensions are:

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① Directness (get to the point versus imply the messages)

② Hierarchy (follow orders versus engage in debate)

③ Consensus (dissent is accepted versus unanimity is needed)

④ Individualism (individual winners versus team effectiveness)

Beware of Culture Shock

Failure to identify cultural issues and take action can lead to a culture shock. According to Elisabeth Marx, the author of Breaking Through Culture Shock, the most often found symptoms of culture shock are: feeling isolated; anxiety and worry; reduction in job performance; high nervous energy; helplessness.

Not coping with culture shock symptoms when they appear can lead to a very negative situation. You must build your cultural intelligence if you want to break through culture shock.

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Culture is often at the root of communication challenges. Exploring historical experiences and the ways in which various cultural groups have related to each other is key to opening channels for cross-cultural communication.

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Becoming more aware of cultural differences, as well as exploring cultural similarities, can help you communicate with others more effectively. Next time you find yourself in a confusing situation, ask yourself how culture may be shaping your own reactions, and try to see the world from the other's point of view.

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Some Tips for Cross-Cultural Self-Management

Learn about the culture, country, local customs, and cultural sensitivities before engaging in a cross-cultural dialogue to avoid making faux pas.

In some cultures, not making eye contact has the connotation of someone untrustworthy. But realize, too, that steady eye contact in some other cultures is considered impolite or aggressive.

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