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Bastian Küntzel

When you are working in a group, where there are people from different backgrounds it is common that conflict can occur, or that people don't input for fear of causing conflict. This course will teach you how to maximise the outputs of culturally diverse working environments and extract the full benefits of diversity.

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When you are working in a group, where there are people from different backgrounds it is common that conflict can occur, or that people don't input for fear of causing conflict. This course will teach you how to maximise the outputs of culturally diverse working environments and extract the full benefits of diversity.

We will explore the concept of culture and it's powerful impact on how humans perceive the world. We'll look at different dimensions of cultural diversity and how they impact our priorities, perceptions and how they can cause mis-understandings. After a short excursion to some of the brain science that further manifests the power of culture as a filter for reality, we'll look at different cases and what we can do to communicate more effectively in environments that are saturated with cultural diversity in order to create something remarkable. Finally, I'll teach you two simple methods to operationalise these insights practically in your work. In the end, I will highlights further reading materials that students who wish to go deeper can read and study.

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What's inside

Learning objective

After the course, students will be able to better identify their own cultural set up and be able to see, address and constructively work with cultural diversity.

Syllabus

The river as a metaphor for culture
Introduction
Lenses as a metaphor for culture
The value and challenge of diversity
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In this section, we will explore different metaphors that can help us really understand what culture is, what it does, what purpose it has for human communities and how it shapes our reality.
What is Culture?
Software as a metaphor for culture
Fabric as a metaphor for culture
Traffic-Sign as a metaphor for culture
The Iceberg as a metaphor for culture
In this section, we will look into several of the dimensions of cultural diversity and sharpen our perceptiveness to their influence in our interactions with others and the world around us.
Dimensions of Cultural Diversity
Individualism and Collectivism
High- and Low-Context Communication
Universalism and Particularism
Powerdistance
Time
Uncertainty Avoidance
In this section we will take a quick look into some of the neuroscience that can help us understand how culture is manifested in our brain.
Brain Science
The Amygdala
System 1 and System 2 Thinking
Neuroplasticity
In this section we will look at two specific cases of challenging intercultural situations and how and understand of culture can help understand and avoid them.
A Chinese suppliers' visit to a German factory
German and Polish work cultures
In this section I will share two specific approaches on how we can use the knowledge we have gained about culture's impact in our daily work with people who are different to us.
Perception, Interpretation, Evaluation
Purple Space
In this section, I will introduce some of the books that I have found most useful in gaining a deep understanding about culture.
Beyond Culture and the Silent Language
Building Cross-Cultural Competences
Software of the Mind
The Culture Map
Handbook of Intercultural Communication and Cooperation
Basic Concepts of Intercultural Communication
Thinking Fast and Slow
The intercultural mind
Handbuch Interkulturelle Kommunikation und Kompetenz
The Geography of Thought
Closeness at a Distance

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Bastian Küntzel, an expert in this field
Delves into advanced theories about human interaction
Covers various approaches to handling conflict and misunderstanding
Requires significant background knowledge in human behavior

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Solid Foundations in Intercultural Communication with these activities:
Intercultural Communication Training Modules
Enhance your understanding of specific intercultural communication skills and strategies.
Show steps
  • Identify online platforms or resources that offer guided tutorials on intercultural communication.
  • Select modules that align with your learning goals and areas for improvement.
  • Follow the instructions provided in each module, completing exercises and simulations.
  • Reflect on the concepts and techniques introduced in the modules.
  • Apply your newfound knowledge and skills in real-life interactions with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Hofstede's Culture's Consequences
Reinforce your understanding about different dimensions of cultural diversity by reviewing empirical research on the topic.
Show steps
  • Purchase a copy of the book from a retailer or online.
  • Create a schedule that will allow you to finish the book within the next 15 days.
  • Prepare your study materials, such as a notebook and a pen.
  • Begin reading the book's first chapter.
  • At the end of each chapter, summarize the key insights that you have learned in your notebook.
Cultural Exchange Sessions
Engage in discussions and share experiences with peers from different cultural backgrounds.
Show steps
  • Reach out to classmates or connect with individuals from diverse cultures.
  • Set up virtual or in-person meetings to facilitate discussions.
  • Prepare questions or topics to initiate conversations about cultural differences.
  • Actively listen and engage with perspectives, experiences, and insights shared by others.
  • Reflect on your own cultural background and how it shapes your perceptions and communication style.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Improve your decision-making skills and enhance self-awareness by delving into the fascinating world of cognitive biases and heuristics.
Show steps
  • Ensure you have a copy of the book or access to the online version.
  • Dedicate approximately 20 minutes each day to reading the book.
  • Take notes and highlight key concepts as you read each chapter.
  • Reflect on how the ideas discussed relate to your own experiences and decision-making tendencies.
  • Engage in discussions or connect with other learners to share perspectives and insights.
International Collaboration Project
Engage in a project that involves collaborating with individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
Show steps
  • Identify a project idea that can benefit from diverse perspectives and cross-cultural collaboration.
  • Form a team of individuals with complementary skills and cultural backgrounds.
  • Develop a project plan that outlines communication strategies, timelines, and deliverables.
  • Regularly communicate with your team members, using appropriate communication tools and channels.
  • Actively seek to understand and appreciate cultural differences within the team and strive for inclusive decision-making.
Cross-Cultural Communication Plan
Develop a plan that outlines strategies for effective communication and collaboration within diverse cultural contexts.
Show steps
  • Identify the specific cultural contexts you need to address.
  • Research cultural norms, values, and communication styles relevant to each context.
  • Outline specific communication strategies to accommodate cultural differences.
  • Include strategies for mitigating potential misunderstandings and conflict.
  • Develop a plan for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of your communication approach.
Cultural Sensitivity Training materials
Develop a comprehensive training resource that addresses cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
Show steps
  • Gather information and resources on best practices for cultural sensitivity training.
  • Identify the target audience and their specific training needs.
  • Develop interactive content, activities, and case studies that promote understanding and empathy.
  • Incorporate strategies for creating a safe and inclusive learning environment.
  • Proofread and refine your training materials to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

Career center

Learners who complete Solid Foundations in Intercultural Communication will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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