SGTM 5 B Attitudes & Behaviour “Cultural Awareness” SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Structure of Presentation What is Culture? Understanding Cultural differences Dealing with Cultural differences Case studies SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

through which experience is interpreted and carried out Culture A shared system of meanings, beliefs, values behaviours through which experience is interpreted and carried out SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Culture Is .. Relative Learned Collective Changes over time Complex responsive process SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Forces Shaping Individual Culture Personal Culture Values World-views Beliefs Behaviours Urbanization Migration Minority Experience Cross-cultural Adjustments Profession Gender Language Education Industrialization Social background Ethnic background Religion Nationalism Colonisation SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Dangers! Stereotypes Prejudice Ethno-centric perspectives SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

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Culture – In Peace Operations Civilians – Civilians (International) International actors Local communities CULTURE Military – Military (International) Military – Civilians (Organizational) Local Communities SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Understanding Cultural differences Eating habits Asia - chop sticks Europe - knife and fork Clean right hand in some countries Common plate SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Understanding Cultural differences Eating habits Beef Pork Horse “Everything that moves” SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Understanding Cultural differences Eating habits Pork not eaten by Muslims for religious reasons Christians keep horses, dogs and cats as pets Fish is neutral SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Understanding Cultural differences Religion Religion – an important place in many societies Knowledge of religion of host nation very important Respect religious beliefs SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Understanding Cultural differences Family and Gender Elders are highly respected in some cultures Understand family ties Different gender beliefs and views SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Understanding Cultural differences Communication Language is culture specific Avoid use of idiomatic expressions Humour SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Understanding Cultural differences Body Language Gesture/body language have different meanings Smile will never be misunderstood Polite handshake is accepted in most cultures SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Understanding Cultural differences Dress Code Depends on culture, customs, traditions and climate Adapt to local customs SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Understanding Cultural differences Traffic Peacekeeper die in traffic accidents Different traffic conditions Respect local traffic laws Adapt to local conditions SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Understanding Cultural differences Time People have different concept of time Need to understand “You have the clock, we have the time” SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Building Cultural Awareness Understand your own culture Understand and accept logic of other cultural frameworks Cultural differences as unique and creative problem-solving opportunity SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Host Country’s Culture Knowledge of history, culture, customs and traditions Background for the conflict SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Cultural Shock Unfamiliar: Adaptation process Language Climate Currency Road signs Colleagues Adaptation process SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

The Adaptation Stages Honeymoon Initial confrontation Adjustment crisis Recovery SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

The Adaptation Stages STAGE SITUATION APPROACH REACTION Honeymoon First exciting contact with new culture Observe Excitement; Curiosity; Slight concern Initial confrontation First intensive feeling with new culture Solve problems in familiar ways Confusion; Mystified about; Others behaviour SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

The Adaptation Stages STAGE SITUATION APPROACH REACTION Adjustment crisis Problems intensify Experimentation with new behaviours Frustration; Anger; Confusion about Recovery Sense of belonging to culture emerges New strategies to help one function effectively New culture is understandable; Enjoying many aspect of it SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Maintaining Good Relations Between military and civilian With other military contingents Team work SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

you will always be fine” Cultural Awareness “If you are Humble Respectful Friendly you will always be fine” SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Case Studies The market place The toilet experience To walk hand in hand Movement control at the airport The gift SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Summary Cultural awareness is increased by giving you the most common examples This is the first step to handle cultural differences positively, avoid conflicts due to misperception and to make you interact positively with host cultures SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Summary Closely related to “Code of Conduct”, where you get written rules. In culture you may find few written rules, but make sure, you know and obey them SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO

Questions ? SGTM 1.1@30JUNE03 TES / Mil Div / DPKO