Direct versus indirect communication Different cultures favorite different communication styles A direct communications style is one in which the burden of communication is on the speaker that person is expected to be clear Get to the point be specific A good direct speaker is one who ensures that the listeners understand what is being said […]
Individualism or collectivism? Do you define yourself as an “I” or a “we”? In considering cultural dimensions or attributes individualism the “I” prefers independence and self-reliance As an individual you are expected to take care of yourself and your immediate family but you have no obligation to the larger community. Cultures which focus on individualism […]
POWER DISTANCE Do you feel more comfortable working in a strong hierarchy or do you prefer a sense of equality with all of your colleagues? This sensibility is called “power distance” and it concerns the degree to which power is distributed and expected in an organization or other culture. How does an individual, or group […]
Time or relationship? How do you or your company approach work? Are the people or the task more important? Which takes precedence? On one end of this spectrum is a strong focus on time and task. Nurturing your relationships with co-workers or clients is much less important than simply getting the work done and getting […]
If there is conflict at work, how do you demonstrate your emotions? when you’re angry, thrilled or otherwise feel strongly about an issue, do you heat up or do you cool down? This demonstrative spectrum runs from hot to cold. From very loud to very soft. From very verbal to very restrained. Some cultures favor […]
To whom do we offer 0:00:330,0:00:12.159 In some cultures your status is based on your individual achievements. In the U.S. for example we love a rags-to-riches story. During Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in two thousand and eight one of the most compelling parts of his narrative described how he had been abandoned by his father […]
We often see others as one or two dimensional. We tend to identify people with shorthand – the Italian guy, the red-haired woman, the Chinese kid – well-meaning generally but we reduce that person to a single characteristic you do it and it’s done to you yet none of us is a singular characteristic. The […]
This week in an Amsterdam courtroom we saw the beginning of what could be both the trial of the century and the crime of the century. What an honour for the Netherlands so early in the century. In the most determined statement of dhimmitude we’ve yet seen in Europe – and that’s saying something – […]
Well you work to earn a living But on weekends comes the time You can do what ever turns you on Get out and clear your mind Me, I like football But there’s a lot of things around When you line them up together The footy wins hands down Bula Bula Up there Cazaly In […]
Hey, welcome to Sweden. This is the number one rape capital of Europe. Some say that this is because Sweden is very progressive and aware of destructive patriarchal norms which is why our definition of rape is broader than in other countries and more considerate to the victims. Others say that it is because of […]