Ethnocentrism, as described at Dictionary.com, is " The belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture." For years, colleges and universities have been preparing students to avoid ethnocentrism and become more aware and open about other cultures. Not only does this help a business become successful in the long-run, but it also gives companies the advantage of attracting better and even more talented employees with a wider range of skill and expertise.
Intercultural proficiency may be achieved in several ways, one of which includes doing research or reading up on a particular culture or group of people before engaging in business. It helps because it develops a cultural awareness of the other group.
Communication, or improving intercultural proficiency, can also be achieved by the use of gestures and certain body language. Body motion that exhibits acknowledgement, for instance, like the nodding of one's head is a good example.
Here are two short Youtube videos posted by Expert Village that relate to the topic:
Avoiding Ethnocentrism by Avoiding Assumptions
Avoiding Ethnocentrism using Gestures/Body Language
Ethnocentrism has been in existence ever since people migrated from their country to others. History has shown us that because of ethnocentrism; racism, discrimination, and segregation became predominant. Business practices, in today's global markets, that do not address ethnocentrism will fail. Like mentioned in the video below, we should look at others' differences in, "different ways or approach in doing the same thing."
Here is a short video on ethnocentrism throughout history and in the present.
Link
NS
So what else does everyone think about ethnocentrism and avoiding it?
ReplyDeleteI think ethnocentrism is a bad thing, but difficult to overcome. It's an attitude that can be easily hidden, but rules how a person interacts with other races.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is that ethnocentrism, in my opinion, usually starts with an individual's upbringing. If someone grows up hearing that such and such a race is inherently *blank* (even though it just seems that way due to a difference in values) then it'll take a lot of real world experience and relationships to dissuade them of their previous assumptions.
But it's important that they do, because it's a ridiculous mindset to have and can only cause problems for the individual. Cultures have different ways of doing things, and reasons for doing those things differently.
LJ
I agree, it is a bad thing to be ethnocentric. It is also a difficult thing to overcome, but sometimes we don't notice how judgmental we are towards others until someone comments on our behaviour or until a long period of time passes. We often have our minds set on how we perceive other cultures, and it is very important for us to realize what our attitudes are towards them and to try to change those attitudes.
ReplyDeleteWe should try to understand and relate to people in different cultures in order for us to learn who they really are.
JL