Coming to America: From Culture Shock to Appreciating Diversity A Critically Reflective Journey by: Cyrus Batheja, RN, PHn, MBA OCTOBER 2, 2015 O

Introduction to the Concept “Culture” The basic concept is: Culture has 2 components: Subjective culture & objective culture Subjective culture is the sum of psychological features, including assumptions, values, and patterns of thinking Objective culture is made of the institutions and artifacts of a culture, such as its economic system, social customs, political structures and processes, arts, crafts, and literature

Introduction to the Concept “Culture” (cont’d) Another way of looking at the concept of culture: Basic Assumptions (implicit) Norms & Values (explicit) Artifacts & Products Our Assumptions about: Existence & Survival The mutual sense as a group: Written laws, social control, what is good & bad, etc. The observable reality: Language, food, buildings, monuments, fashions, etc. Culture forms the root of our actions! Culture is man-made, confirmed by others, conventionalized, and passed on to others!

Introduction to the Concept “Culture” (cont’d) What happens when we leave our culture? Culture 2 Culture 1 Culture 3 Multi-culture (a mixture) Living side-by-side Living together (cross-cultural interaction)

A Narrative about “Coming to America” 1984-1999 Beginnings -Naturalization -R.N. -Care Identifying gaps in social process Building the Dream 2000-2004 -PHN -MBA -BSN -Community Outcomes Earning Creditability 2005 -Economics -Innovation -Learning Striving for Success 2005-2009 -National Views -Pop. Health -Ed.D. Entering New Domains 2010-Today

Learnings: “Coming to America” Relationships are critical Offer More Gratitude Honestly and Integrity Risks and Dreams Crawl, Walk, Run

Tool: Synergistic Leadership Model Place your name and mission in the center circle of the structure Write important traits of your identity in each of the title of each satellite circle List characteristics of the trait underneath Identify connections Equality and Inclusion Cyrus Family Community Healthcare Care Corporate Leader Execution Intention Education Leadership Business Person Government Innovation

Valuing Diversity/Multi-Culture We live in a global village where diversity is inevitable Through scrutinizing our own assumptions, we develop skills to interact freely with all people We are challenged to be ambassadors of change by appreciating diversity. Note: How we think about our life situations impacts how we feel and act towards others!

Conclusions Culture matters Cross-cultural life is beneficial Engage in critical reflection Respect, value, and hear (yourself and others) Appreciate multiculturalism

After all … E pluribus unum --- Out of many, one Democratic process of many states (or colonies) emerged a single nation (believed to be the original meaning) Out of many peoples, races, religions, and ancestries emerged a single people and nation (how it’s used today)

I appreciate your joining in on the journey of critical reflection! Thank YOU I appreciate your joining in on the journey of critical reflection! ~Cyrus

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