Different cultures have different expectations for the way things are done; so there are many things to learn if you want to communicate effectively, and without repercussions, in another culture. However, achieving competence can be done through simple acts and the use of common sense. What's key, is for you to use sensitivity, nonjudgmentalism, and tolerance when interacting with other cultures.
An expert in achieving intercultural competence, M.R. Hammer, outlines three points that should be followed:
1) Descriptiveness
- When giving feedback, or commenting on something/someone, you're going to want to be descriptive rather than objective. Being objective in feedback can come across as judgmental and won't help the two individuals get along whatsoever.
2) Nonjudgmentalism
- In the end, being judgmental in anyway, will cause problems when trying to interact. Remarking on customs, clothing or speech with your thoughts, will create stress and immediately put the other individual on the defensive; they may take it personally and spend the time trying to explain it to you. Their thoughts may not be on much else for some time, and they may continue to wonder what you might be thinking of them.
3) Supportiveness
- Just be supportive in your interactions. Positive non-verbal communication is useful here. Nod your head, keep track of your facial expression and how close you are (some cultures will have varying ideas on personal space), and keep eye contact to show that you are interested in what they are saying.
I'll leave you with some general things to do when out abroad:
- Always follow their lead, and don't do things other people haven't done. Gestures can have different meanings in different cultures. -This'll be expanded in a future post-
- Take a little time to learn basic greetings and words (yes, no, please, thank you, etc).
For a slide show full of useful information on Intercultural Competence visit:
Let me know what you think of the whole topic as well; do you agree with the concept of trying to fit in while working with other cultures, or do you think that other cultures should understand that we are foreigners and should make allowances?
From a business perspective it's just good sense, but what do you feel personally? What would you rather if you were in their shoes?
-A more detailed look at the information covered in this post can be found in Business Communication Process and Product 7th Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey-
LJ
-A more detailed look at the information covered in this post can be found in Business Communication Process and Product 7th Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey-
LJ
The three points listed above are great ways in achieving intercultural competence. Personally, I feel that using the business perspective points are good enough for everyday use when we run into peoples from different cultures. Especially when travelling, even if it is just for a holiday it is good to learn.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of fitting in a different culture, I'd think it is a matter of other culture's point of view. For example, it does not really matter to show your own habit if you are travelling in a open-mined cultures, such as Western Europe. The people would show respect to it. However, we have to be careful if the cultures are conservative. For instance, we all know that we cannot shake hands or hug a Islam woman as greeting. In some more conservative countries, we can't even talk to them.
ReplyDeleteKK