Working Across Cultures Mary P. Andrews, Director International Extension Programs Michigan State University Extension

Why Cross Cultural Skills? It is good business to be able to work with a diverse workforce/customer base. The world is very small—need to communicate and work with others Growing pluralism in communities Increasing complexity in our lives Problems demand “collaboration”

Factors related to cross cultural effectiveness Skills: –Communicating and listening –Interpersonal relations –Organizational ability –Ability to deal with stress

Factors related to cross cultural effectiveness Attitudes –Open, accepting of differences –Empathetic –Nonjudgemental

Factors related to cross cultural effectiveness Personality Traits –Patience –Tolerance –Courtesy –Persistence –Flexibility –Energy –Self-confidence/ Maturity –Self-esteem

Negative traits that reduce effectiveness Perfectionism Rigidity Dogmatism Ethnocentrism Anxiety Task-oriented behavior Narrow-mindedness Self-centeredness

Behaviors that correlate with failure Low tolerance for ambiguity or high uncertainty avoidance Overly task-oriented or high need for individual achievement Overly self confident and inflexible

Levels of cultural sensitivity 1.Generalized: Aware of superficial differences, stereotypes 2.Us-them: Aware of significant cultural traits that contrast markedly from one’s own…recognizes challenges 3.Side-by-side: Understands cultural differences, why they exist, and how to overcome 4.One-world: Aware and accepts how another FEELS, through the eyes of the other person

Culture Shock…even in our own community When you enter an unfamiliar environment where you are unsure of how to behave… –People do not know you –People think and behave differently –Don’t know what to expect from them, or they from you –“a fish out of water”

Natural Reactions: A sense of helplessness Irritation Fear of being cheated, injured Concern for cleanliness, health Yearning for the familiar Frustration with “little things” Inability to relax and enjoy others

What to do about it? Recognize it—don’t deny, flee, fight it Begin to understand yourself and your reactions –What is your own cultural identity or comfort zone? –What about the new setting is uncomfortable?

Try to adapt… Try to be open to new ideas, beliefs, behaviors…see things in context Develop friendships or cultural guides Keep your own beliefs to yourself…try not to compare “Try it on”…participate

Learn from your experience… Cultural confrontation forces you to better understand yourself Appreciate your adaptability— flexibility Strengthen your interpersonal skills Reflect on your own cultural “baggage”…evaluate your beliefs & lifestyle

Crossing Cultures can be Exciting Realize that people are basically good, trusting and welcoming Faith in yourself and your ability to overcome misunderstandings Pride in your adaptability Value and seek-out diversity Enjoy and revel in such experiences