Unit 20 Vocabulary — Successful Intercultural Business

Every human has their own biases because humans are wired to seek out patterns based on life experience.

In collectivistic countries like China or Guatemala it is not uncommon for parents to live with their children rather than in nursing homes when they get old.

Despite the language barrier it wasn't difficult to have a good conversation, because oftentimes the meaning became clear through context.

Geert Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory is a widely accepted framework to measure cultural differences based on five key aspects and their impact on cross-cultural communication.

Oftentimes stereotypes and racism are rooted in people's ethnocentric approach when experiencing other cultures, because they judge others based on their own culture's values rather than accept that the other person's culture has different values.

Sweden places high on femininity which expresses itself in the prioritization of work-life balance, social inclusiveness, harmony, and such things as the “Jante Law” - an unspoken rule not to try to lift oneself above others.

Both my parents moved to this country as adults, so naturally this impacts my views on immigration.

My company's HR department organizes annual 'diversity and inclusion' workshops to promote tolerance and make everyone aware of their own implicit biases.

It is generally understood that western countries tend to be more individualistic, a concept exemplified by the American Dream, which is all about succeeding as an individual.

Courtney's friends were shocked by the level of indulgence she demonstrated on her recent vacation - spending a lot of money on luxurious items and activities every day, and partying hard every night.

When Fatima was young, her grandmother told her stories about living abroad, which highly influenced her ambition to move to a different country.

People from cultures with long-term orientation tend to delay or give up short-term success or happiness in order to achieve more success and happiness in the future.

When doing business in Asian countries like China, it is especially important to avoid embarrassing others by e.g. being too direct or confrontational, as losing face is a very serious matter there and can make or break a deal.

Did you know that according to the Hofstede dimensions, Japan has the highest masculinity score? This gives great insights into what values are most important in this country.

It's not that difficult to change your mindset, if you are willing.

In some cultures hugs are a popular informal greeting, whereas in countries like France kissing each other on the cheek is the norm.

I am so impressed by Jamala's open-minded way of thinking; she is always eager to learn about another person's point of view, and waits before she forms an opinion.

Akira is an excellent mediator because he's very empathetic and able to look at issues from different perspectives.

The degree of power distance shows itself as hierarchy in all forms of organizations, be it in a family or a company.

Prejudice is learned, as is open-mindedness; so we need to think about what kind of example we want to set for our children.

Tabish showed remarkable restraint when his team lost the game, not allowing his emotions to get the best of him.

In order to self-reflect, we need to be honest with ourselves and try to look at our thoughts and feelings in a neutral, unbiased way.

Diego is a great salesman, because he really understands short-term orientation and is able to promote the immediate benefits of packaged food.

Stereotypes like 'women are irrational and weak' are harmful because they are untrue but lead to discrimination with very real negative effects for - in this case - women.

People from low-context cultures like Germany appreciate directness and tend to take things at face value.

Luckily, the world is becoming increasingly tolerant, which allows for a more harmonious co-existence with our fellow human beings.

Cultures with high uncertainty avoidance tend to fear and reject change, whereas low uncertainty avoidance cultures tend to embrace and welcome change, as they do not fear the uncertainty that comes with it.

No matter where a person is from, dealing with emotions like love, fear and anger is a universal human experience that everyone can relate to.