"In order to develop multicultural competence, how can one
overcome barriers at a personal level, to then influence at a
professional/societal level? What are some practical tools to acquire
this competence if one has minimal experience in multicultural environments?"
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Another great question! In my experience, one of the easiest ways to overcome barriers at a personal or professional level is to simply engage in informal dialogue (i.e. making small talk) with people from other cultures. I usually start with asking informal, open-ended questions about the culture I'm about to learn about. Starting with non-work related topics is always a good idea (family, friends, hobbies, food, etc.). This will put you both at ease and probably be easier to break the ice. Active listening is also important.
ReplyDeleteOnce you have a report with your diverse workforce, it becomes easier to pivot to professional topics -- then you can start connecting the dots between the two. As pointed out in Chapter 2 of Global Leadership 2e: Research, Practice, and Development (Global HRM) by Mark E. Mendenhall, it's important to learn expectations and communications practices of other cultures while practicing mindfulness, empathy, perspective taking, and suspended judgement (all foundations for a global mindset).
I completely agree with Mark. I believe leaders must encourage that curiosity and share their genuine desire for knowledge and understanding.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I don't think this always comes as easily as one would hope. This takes much humility from an individual to first acknowledge that s/he is not an expert on a particular subject or culture in general.
Before one can understand and appreciate others, it helps to have a deep understanding of one's self. A great tool to determine where one stands as far as cultural exposure is the Cultural Orientation Indicator (COI). This is a great place to identify where you stand regarding other cultures. Other tools are to become more engaged in other cultures. As Mark stated, talk to people. Volunteer for an organization that specializes English as a Second Language.
There are plenty of ways to expand your horizons by just being curious.
Class,
DeleteThink back to a time when you successfully connected (or failed to connect) with someone from a different culture. What were the circumstances? What was your mindset? What was it you did or did not do to engage (or failed to engage) the other party? I encourage you to tell your stories.
This reminds me of a situation 20 years ago when I failed to connect with a technical leader based in Nice, France (R&D unit). I acted like a typical American, making requests and expressing a sense of urgency in response without thinking about cultural difference. I was living in a bubble. I became frustrated with the lack of response, and become "sporty" with my French counterpart. I eventually figured out that the problem was maybe with me (and not my counterpart). I ended up jumping a flight to meet him face-to-face (I know, rough duty traveling to the south of France). Jean-Francois and I met for 30 minutes in his office, and quickly retired to a local cafe for lunch and a glass of wine, which is when I really got to know him and began to understand his culture. Long-story, short, we not only buried the hatchet, we eventually become good friends (to this day).
DeleteGreat story, Mark! At tomorrow's in-class session, we'll be talking about some of the (general) cultural business characteristics of U.S. Americans.
DeleteMy story's setting is a little more informal. My former boss is an immigrant from Ukraine (she emigrated over 20 years ago at a young age) and we were out for brunch. We ended up walking around the neighborhood, and I saw a advertisement for a popular cartoon (at least by American standards). I talked about how much I missed, and my friend said she had never seen it. I blurted out, 'What? How is that even possible?' She said (in a joking manner), 'Um, I grew up in a war-torn country. TV wasn't really a high priority.' She might have said it in a joking way, but it really sobered me. She is still one of my good friends, but she made me a lot more mindful of the things I say and the manner in which I say them.
DeleteRobyn, interesting story. That's great you were able to have an open mindset and it "sobered you up". I was recently in Puerto Rico (and while still the U.S.), I was to dinner and me being me, usually get the check when I'm close to being done with my meal. Sometimes I do this to let the waiter/waitress go about their business. However, in this particular scenario the waitress was immediate apologetic and asked what was wrong with my meal, etc. etc. It made me realize that I should learn the customs of dining when in the presence of other cultures.
DeleteIn thinking about this question, I am reminded about a cultural difference in which I did not engage with the other individual. This was many years ago, when I was in high school. I grew up in a neighborhood that was mostly Catholic, with a Polish/German heritage. I was talking with a classmate about Easter. Of course, the Greek Orthodox Easter is usually on a different date than that of the Western Christian Easter. When I explained that I am Greek Orthodox, and that my Easter isn't on the same date as that of my classmate, I was asked if that was “…like…Jewish?” Although this story is one of religion, it is just as much a cultural story. I have heard this same question here and there over the years – people with an idea that the Greek Orthodox religion is somehow related to the Jewish faith. I can't say that I held any negative feelings toward those who ask, but at the same time, I don't have the energy to explain the history of the Christian church every time...
DeleteRegardless of the extent of experience evident in a leader, certain competencies, such as humility and adaptability must be a part of the leaders’ toolbox. With these tools, the leader will foster a positive environment in which all members have the agility to express issues without criticism. A leader with this ethic who demonstrates these attributes at a professional level will foster excellence in others. Such a level of professionalism is not based on time on the job, but rather a deep understanding of self, and the desire to promote team-building behavior. This can only be successful if the leader demonstrates himself/herself to be a dependable and honorable individual. Only an ethical leader will evoke ethical behavior in his/her employees – such behavior is inherent in the individual regardless of the domestic or global environment.
ReplyDeleteI believe that having an open mind and curiosity are important ingredients leading to successful cooperation of different cultures. Doing cultural due diligence prior to jumping into “getting” things done mindset could be extremely beneficial. Also appreciating the differences, and shifting the mindset to seeing cultural background as something positive, and not a barrier, could help.
ReplyDeleteThank you for speaking to the Adaptation Strategies, Eva.
Delete1) Due Diligence
2) Mind-Shifting
3) Cultural Dialogue ("Help me understand . . .")
4) Cultural Mentoring