Cross-cultural competence courses in theory and practice

The cours is given in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Africa’s diplomatic capital.

A course for you who works across cultures

This course is designed for you who need to work across different countries and cultures and
in particular those who work within a multicultural milieu and have global clients.

Ethnocentrism
We and those others

Since  prehistoric times many peoples around the world gave themselves a name that simply means
The People, or We The People. This is contradictory because at the same time it shows not only the
fundamental unity of all humanity, but also to the fact that everywhere in the world ethnic groups have
always viewed their own specific group as the only real human beings.
 
Already the old high cultures, as ancient Egypt, claimed their culture to be the cradle and center of
civilization and looked down on other cultures with a mixture of disdain, ridicule and pity.

The ancient Greeks and later the Romans held a difference between themselves and other people whom
they called Bárbaroi (ie Barbarians = Babblers) because they lacked the ability to speak Greek and Latin.
Plato believed that the Bárbaroi stood on the same level as animals. These are ideas that have survived
well into our time, and the examples are many; the slave trade, Nazism, the former South Africa apartheid
and the North American segregation systems, just to mention a few of the most extremes.

Multiple cultures - different expectations

We all belong to multiple cultures - national, individual and professional which define for us what is normal, appropriate, expected and acceptable.

In a shrinking world where globalization is becoming the normal way of business and trade, cultural
differences often prove to be a hindrance for constructive communication and successful agreements.

When others do not meet our expectations, it is often because our cultural references and expectations are different.
What is common and accepted to one group may seem strange, unacceptable and many times completely wrong to the other.

What beliefs, attitudes and negative expectations complicate and hinder us from moving forward
to a mutually successful development for our business and enterprises?

We will investigate how deeply rooted these beliefs and attitudes are in our societies and within our own
cultural domain, and within ourselves.

Managing a multiplicity of cultural differences

In an increasingly globalized and inter-cultural world, it is crucial for us to find the right keys for
understanding other cultures and their reality of perception. Managing different behaviours motivated
by a multiplicity of ethnic and religious-cultural influences in performance and achievement emphasize
the need for cross-cultural competence.
  

How should I relate and interpret the alien culture I encounter?
How do I understand?
How do I make myself understood?

Theoratical and practical course
Through theoretical studies and practical experience in direct on the spot contact with foreign cultures,
this course will show that we have much more in common that unites us as human beings than what
divides us as peoples.

 

 

       

Course in Cultural Capacity

• Definitions of the concept of culture                   

• Examine some of the key aspects of differences in cultural perspectives

• The influences of religion and culture on social and professional behaviour

•  Identify the different ways in which people communicate within specific cultures

•  Build relationships, increasing knowledge and skills by in practice  communicating,
  verbally and non verbally, across cultural barriers

• Explore the differing cultural profiles of colleagues and partners as well as our own
  styles of communication

• Explore constructive strategies for working in multicultural milieus and managing
  across cultural boundaries

• Giving feedback and managing excessive or lack of feedback

 

  Literature 

Islam - Creed and lifestyle Original title: Islam - Lära och Livsmönster By Professor Jan Hjärpe The Islamic world and its culture have been pulled ever closer to us. Jan Hjärpe's Islam - Creed and Lifstyle is an excellent introductory book for anyone who wants to understand Islam and its importance in today's world. This book has long been regarded as a standard work on the subject.   All these cultures By Karin Sharma The practical art to understanding another culture  and what you need to deal with before you learn another culture. Other publications, compenidums and material will be provided by C.C.C. on loction in Addis Ababa