Cultural differences why is it important

As we progress through this discussion, we shall continually build upon these differences as we attempt to understand behavior in the workplace. What role do managers play to ensure that the culture of individuals are valued and appreciated and contribute to a successful work environment? How do you manage and do business with people from different cultures? Culture refers to the collective mental programming of a group or people that distinguishes them from others. Culture 1 is shared by the members of the group, 2 is passed on from older members to younger members, and 3 shapes our view of the world.

Six dimensions of culture can be identified: 1 how people see themselves, 2 how people see nature, 3 how people approach interpersonal relationships, 4 how people view activity and achievement, 5 how people view time, and 6 how people view space. Instructions: This instrument lists several pairs of statements concerning the possible causes of behavior. For each pair, select the letter A or B that better describes your own beliefs.

Remember: there are no right or wrong answers. To view the scoring key, go to Appendix B. Source: Adapted from Julian B. Instructions: People are influenced by a wide variety of personal values. In fact, it has been argued that values represent a major influence on how we process information, how we feel about issues, and how we behave. In this exercise, you are given an opportunity to consider your own personal values. Below are listed two sets of statements.

The first list presents several instrumental values, while the second list presents several terminal values.

For each list you are asked to rank the statements according to how important each is to you personally. Clearly, you will have to make some difficult decisions concerning your priorities.

When you have completed the list for instrumental values, follow the same procedure for the terminal values. Please remember that this is not a test—there are no right or wrong answers—so be completely honest with yourself. You work for a large multinational corporation with offices around the globe. One of your colleagues has been offered an assignment overseas to either the Japanese, South Korean, or German offices for a long-term assignment three to seven years.

She has asked your advice on the opportunity because she is concerned about the failure some others have encountered. Often, they want to return home before their assignment is complete, or they decide to quit.

She is also concerned about building relationships as a manager with the local employees. Your friend is very skilled technically and you know that she could be successful in the positions being offered.

You wonder whether her apprehension has to do with her personality, and whether that might have an impact on her success for this role. Among the opportunities that you are interviewing for is an entry-level position as a data analyst with a large accounting firm. You have been told during the initial interview that the firm uses a personality assessment as part of their selection process.

You feel that this job requires someone who is very high in introversion since it involves a lot of individual work involving analysis of data on the one hand, but that in potential future roles on an audit team, one would need a high level of extroversion dealing with colleagues on the team and with clients.

Learning about different cultures can be a great way to develop an understanding of cultural diversity. You could try: Check out some foreign films on SBS or Netflix, attend a local food festival, or search for some online resources. Try and get to know someone from a different cultural background better.

Just being curious and open-minded can be helpful. Remember to treat them just like you would anyone else, and don't think of them only as a way to get to know about other cultural backgrounds. One of the best ways to experience and understand other cultures is to actually live among them.

You could try: Check out some virtual travel and history experiences from the comfort of your own home. You could try: Practise being empathetic towards the people around you and be mindful of your thoughts about others. Try not to compare or judge. Learn more about how you can become more accepting. Fort Visit Return to camp Dinner Mountain Hut Table of Contents. Les Elfes Summer Camp.

What is Culture? Study a Native Language Being conversant with a native dialect enables you to interact and engage with people from diverse cultures effectively. Diversify Your Reading Habits Rather than reading books written by people you identify with, adopt a practice of reading books written by different people from different cultures.

Understand Different Geography and Economic Practices The economics and geography of any country are critical and closely associated. What are the trading practices of this culture? Do they use trade or money? Does the culture have any resources? Does the culture specialize in exports? If they do, what do they mainly export? What role do these things play in terms of their cultural practices and beliefs?

Sample Food from Other Cultures Food plays a critical function in human existence. Other Ways Include: Participate in local celebrations and events with an open mind and heart. Art is a critical part of understanding a new culture. Consider visiting history museums, cultural performances, and art exhibitions in various areas. By learning new things, you can appreciate considerable cultural differences.

What are the Benefits of Learning Different Cultures? You get to understand the World Better. Enhances Effective Communication Language is a critical part of human communication. Benefits of Communication Among People from Different Cultures Communication boosts your credibility and trust and makes you vocal about your culture and beliefs. They are Interesting Learning about other cultures is fascinating. It Stimulates the Mind Being exposed to culture-learning opportunities stimulates your mind and helps you think in diverse ways.

It Promotes Understanding Lots of problems can arise from misunderstandings, especially because we live in a multicultural world. You understand various ways of doing things. You may want to support this community by: Engaging in new experiences away from your comfort zone Learning their traditions and beliefs Applying the skills you learn in various aspects of your own culture.

By learning about other cultures, you will have: Enhanced Cultural Sensitivity Learning about other cultures is similar to understanding diverse languages. Ability to Re-assess Biases A cross-cultural experience makes you more conscious of your actions, such as the words you utter, your thoughts, and your dressing style. Finally There are various cultures, practices, beliefs, and norms in the world.

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