Resolving Cultural Conflicts

Problem Solving on Individual Level in International Studies

[Subjective] *Cultural Norms (cont.)

Communicative and Cognitive Styles

Geographical patterns in cultural norms

Which parts of the world have cultural norms more closely related to American culture?

Which parts of the world have cultural norms more distant from American culture?

*Low Context Cultures

Direct responses to content of verbal (and non-verbal) messages.

W. Europe, Anglophone countries (USA, UK, New Zealand, Australia)

*High Context Cultures

Cultural context is as important as communicative content

Non-verbal messages may be more important than verbal ones

Latin America, Middle Eastern, East & Southeast Asia

Example of Claire & Egyptian secretary, pp. 43, 47-48

Yasmina “says yes but doesn’t offer to bring” the data.

(High & Low Context Cultures is based on Edward T. Hall, Beyond Culture, 1997)

Problem solving

What differences in values and communication styles and values caused this Type 1 cultural incident?

European and Indian programmers, pp. 30, 105-6

Communicative and Cognitive styles

Direct (low context) vs. Indirect (high context)

Values

Authority

Egalitarian vs. Hierarchical

Phases of Cross-Cultural Living Experience

1. Euphoria/Excitement

2. *Culture shock

3. a. *Cross-cultural Avoidance

3. b. *Cultural Adaptation

4. *Re-entry shock

5. Readjustment

Discussion, Storti, Chaps. 5-7

What is Storti’s method of preventing cultural incidents (conflicts) and adjusting to the culture of a new country?

Why does he give prominence to language learning in adjusting to a new culture?

What does he think are the benefits of adjusting to a new culture rather than rejecting it?

How should one deal with customs that violate ones morality?

What options are available to the British woman, Claire, to avoid “harassment” when she visits cafes in Egypt? (pp. 107-8) What advice would you give to Claire?

Female dress in public can be a big issue. Think comparatively about beach wear in U.S., France and Iran.

*SOAR: Modified Storti Method of Crossing Cultures

Pre-departure

Study and research the country and language

While abroad "you are a student"

Observe and reflect

Ask your "teachers"

Natives and/or expatriates

Research and study the country more

"The ideal traveller, in fact, is not a man who goes out to teach, but a man who goes out to learn." Hugh and Pauline Massingham, The Englishman Abroad (quoted in Storti, 2nd ed., p. 127)

Problem solving: European and Indian programmers, (Storti pp. 30, 105-6)

How should the European manager use SOAR to solve the problem after the cultural incident occurs?

Benefits of Adjustment

Study and work abroad will involve greater…

Professional success

Friendships

Knowledge of self and native country

Fun and excitement (Byron, p. 25)

Creativity

"I arrive in India, I open my eyes, and I write a book...How could one not write about a country that has met you with an abundance of new things and in the joy of living afresh?" Henri Michaux, A Barbarian in Asia, quoted in Storti, 2nd ed., p. 133)

“Becoming culturally effective…means trying to see the world the way the locals do and trying to imagine how they see you (Storti, p. 111)…Language learning…can be a tremendous asset.” (Storti, p. 112)

Language is Culture

Vocabulary, grammar and syntax

Patterns of thought

Values and social expectations

"In your 1 year of assiduous teaching, we have attained more than a little success. At the time you are about to depart our country and depart from us, we want this photo album to bring back beautiful memories of your time in China."

Levels of Formality

Names

Pronouns

Cultural Differences and Morality

Universal standards of human rights?

Amnesty International

Can we draw the line between acceptable cultural differences and immoral behavior?

Dictatorship vs. democracy

Acceptable ages to work and marry