![]() In trying to identify cultural differences, researchers (Edward T. Training self-awareness brings to the surface aspects of the 90% of our own cultural biases and helps us understand better the differences and similarities with other cultures.īeing able to recognize our own beliefs and values creates the self-awareness necessary to help us respond in unexpected situations. So, culture is not conscious or obvious to us, each of us has been brought up to do things in a certain way. When thinking of a culture, we need to realize that what we see of a culture is only 10% (language, food, music, dance, art, literature, dress code, facial expressions and gestures) the other 90% are not easily observable (norms, rules, perceptions, assumptions, beliefs, values, gender roles, concepts of fairness, justice, etiquette, expectations, desires, attitudes). In any approach that involves changing something about ourselves, the first step is self-awareness. When looking at diversity one can always focus on differences negatively or may consider them opportunities by integrating them and creating synergy rather than discrimination. I believe in presetting a positive approach in any intercultural actions, meaning that if we can get past the fear of the unknown and become proactive, we have a chance to have a world of multiculturalism working together. That is why the people most involved in these environments (teachers, trainers, media people, international students) must be the ones that start to take action to find the best approaches in dealing with today’s world new conditions. ![]() It is not easy, it involves mastering and managing lots of emotions and knowledge. One should consider one’s own personality, their background, the culture they have come from and the culture of the organization and the country they want to integrate in. In an academic environment as well as in the business world or in politics, the interactions between people are hard to mediate. Understanding who you are, having cultural awareness, being adaptable and able to integrate quickly in another society, understanding others, celebrating diversity, and knowing how to communicate with people from different cultures have become really crucial skills. The mobility of the workforce these days is higher than in the past, as more and more people have the freedom to live and work wherever they wish. It is the first time in history other than during wars or famine that large masses of migrants have been relocating across the globe. We need to be able to integrate with multicultural teams, making our differences matter positively and synergistically rather than looking for negative results due to our differences.Ĭultural awareness, adaptation and integration are most important to be mastered from early ages through adulthood. We all need to be more aware of our own cultures to be able to understand better others who are from cultures that are different from ours. In today’s world of global mobility, when one studies in a different country than the one of origin, has to integrate in a multicultural team or travels to different locations for work, special skills have become more and more important. ![]() ![]() It helps us to question stereotypes and prejudices about other cultures, it helps to ask the right questions to get to the core of the matter, and it helps to facilitate deeper communication between people of different cultures. The ability to see beyond the surface and to understand others more in depth is essential in more ways than one. ![]() Why did I choose this tool? The iceberg model, as well as the 10 cultural dimensions profile, are useful tools for reflecting on our own culture and automatic behaviors, and reflecting on that of others. ![]()
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