Intercultural communication teamwork and leadership/Communicating across difference/Intercultural communication
Read Chapter 18 Introduction, 18.1 and 18.2 in Business Communication for Success.
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: SW - try some of the videos at https://www.youtube.com/c/MultiCulturalBusinessSolutions/videos)
These readings point out that intercultural communication is part of all social interaction in today’s world. The research also shows that knowledge of diverse cultural perspectives, including your own; respect for others; curiosity, and active listening skills are critical to effective communication in both local and global learning and work (Deardorff, 2009). The key is to be open to multiple points of view, which may come more naturally than you expect. Remember, there is as much diversity within cultures as between them. As Chapter 18.2 notes, we all belong to multiple cultural groups. In this reading, you will learn about the foundational research on intercultural communication and strategies to overcome common communication barriers, such as stereotyping, prejudice, ethnocentrism, and inaccurate assumptions. A main idea is that personal experience is necessary to develop effective intercultural communication. Be open new ideas and experiences, get as much first-hand experience with various people in different cultures as you can, and remember the Platinum Rule, which is to treat others the way they want to be treated.
Recommended: All the Introductory Exercises, Chapter 18.1, and 18.2 exercises, which ask you to reflect on your own and other cultures. Compare your answers from Introductory Exercise 3 and the first exercise in 18.1. In your view, how might cultural inexperience lead to ethnocentrism, stereotyping, prejudice or false assumptions of similarity?
Reference:
Darla K. Deardorff. 2009. Exploring Intercultural Competence in International Education. NAFSA: Association of International Educators 2009 Annual Conference, Los Angeles, CA, USA.This short pdf presents Deardorff’s well-regarded Pyramid Model of Intercultural Competence.
