This is a very good summery of the book, and  it is now used by UN in their trainingcourses about intercultural communication.

                            Culture Influences Perception

The way you see the world is filtered by your culture - the way you were brought up and the way you live as an adult.  Your ideas of right and wrong, how to approach problems, and how relationships should be conducted are all influenced by your culture.  Learn about other cultures and be aware of differences as you meet and work with people from other cultural backgrounds.  Be sure you know the customs, traditions, and expectations of the country in which you are living.  Always listen and observe.  Be prepared to change your perceptions and ways of doing things.

Avoid using the expression "common sense" since it comes from one set of experiences and perspectives.  Common sense is acquired knowledge or impressions over time within your cultural perspective.  What is common sense to you may not be common sense to someone else.

When meeting people:

Appreciate the differences between cultures.

Understand that your perceptions are coloured by your culture - and other people's actions are influenced by their culture.

Be patient and open-minded.  Avoid quick judgments.  Do not stereotype an individual, a community, or a society.

When working with people:

Listen carefully.  Check your perceptions.  Double check your understanding.

Try to establish trust with people from other cultures.  Then you can have an open discussion about how different cultural approaches may be affecting issues.

Start with a formal, polite approach.  Wait for signals of informality from others.  Some cultures take a long time to allow informality.

Be aware that working in another language creates stress - be prepared for this.

State ideas in more than one way.  Be creative and flexible.

Be simple, clear, direct, and honest.  Stress positive factors, rather than negative ones.

Seek First to Understand

Understanding the relationship between security on the one hand, and cultural and social norms and attitudes in your assignment on the other hand, is essential.  Appreciating the differences in cultures can be challenging.

Question your assumptions and preconceptions: observe and listen before you act.  How culturally sensitive you are when you communicate, whether at home or in the office, may save time, avoid misunderstandings, and reduce risk for you, your family, and colleagues.

Tip:

You may have to do some research or ask questions.  Colleagues who have been in the area for some time and national staff can be very helpful sources.

Exercise: Understanding Cultural Differences

Sebastian Smith has just arrived at his new duty station after recently completing his Doctorate in Economics.  This is Sebastian's first trip outside of his home country and he is anxious to fit in to his new surroundings.

Upon arrival Sebastian takes a tour of the office to greet his new colleagues, of whom 90 percent are national employees.  He introduces himself as Dr. Smith while he passes through the office, firmly shaking everyone's hand, looking them all directly in the eye.  After having met all the UN staff at the duty station, Sebastian decides to ask one of the female national staff (his future assistant) to join him for a drink after work so that she can tell him about their main activities and the local area.

Do you think Sebastian has made a good first impression?

·  Yes

·  No

Correct answer

That's right.  Sebastian was not aware that in this country people greet each other using their first names and you never look someone directly in the eye.  By introducing himself by his title he immediately distanced himself from the others and created a perception of being superior.  The direct eye contact is considered offensive and made his new colleagues feel uncomfortable.

Sebastian was not aware that he (as a male) should not be seen after work frequenting bars or any social venue with a local female.  Neither should he, as her supervisor, propose such a meeting, as in her culture you are taught not to challenge the requests of a superior.  The female colleague will therefore feel obliged to accept even though she knows it could be regarded as highly inappropriate.

Your Cultural Checklist

As you have seen in the case of Sebastian, being aware of cultural differences is very important.  Here are some cultural considerations that you may want to consult to help you prepare for your new experience.

Respect

What helps you gain or lose respect?  If you offend someone, how do you regain respect?

Time

How punctual are you expected to be? What does "on time," "now," "in five minutes," "early" or "later" mean? - Greetings - How do you address people: by their first name, last name, formal title?  What physical greeting and level of eye contact is used?   - Appearance - What is the appropriate dress code for work, special events (e.g., weddings, parties, formal functions), and leisure?

Body Language

Are there physical gestures and body language with special meanings (e.g., express approval/disapproval, getting someone's attention)?  What is considered offensive? - Physical Contact - What is expected and considered appropriate (e.g., shaking/holding hands, kissing, embracing)?  Does this differ depending on male/female, male/male, female/female, national/international?

Loyalty

Does loyalty to friends and family come before loyalty to the organisation?  Is there a conflict between local values and UN values?  Is nepotism or favouritism common and/or accepted?

Hierarchy

Is there a hierarchical structure that defines who has the authority to make decisions and give orders?

Decision-making

How are decisions made (consensus, orders, collaboratively), by whom (by individuals, by group, according to age, sex, class, status or depending on level of education) and under what circumstances (work, family, formal/informal)?  Is responsibility for decisions shared or borne by one person?

Disagreement

How is disagreement expressed (directly/indirectly, in public, person-to-person)?  Is "saving face" (not causing embarrassment or loss of respect) more important than being direct?

Feedback

How is feedback (giving praise, comments, or criticism) communicated (directly/indirectly, in public, person-to-person)?  Is "saving face" (not causing embarrassment or loss of respect) more important than being direct and open?

Emotions

What emotions can be openly expressed?  - Gender - What are the roles, relationships, expectations, and attitudes of men and women?  What implications do these have for your work practices, behaviour, provision of goods and services, etc.?  How do you ensure that the specific needs of women and men are met?

Age/Respect

Are elders respected?  Are there different ways of greeting young and old?  How do you challenge or question the ideas of an elder without causing offence?

Risk Taking

Is taking risks encouraged or not?  What factors prevent people from, or encourage people to, take risks?  Is taking the initiative valued?

Relationships

How do people work together?  What does it mean to be a part of a team?  Are there certain rituals or obligations?  What are the "rules" and "expectations" for socialising outside work?  - Personal Space - How close can you stand to someone without them feeling uncomfortable?

Attitude to Work

What does the concept of work mean?  Is it something that is valued or a necessity to achieve a certain purpose?  Does your attitude to work affect the level of security risks that you are willing to take?