Intercultural Competence

Just a few more days and we will be in Beijing!

I thought it might be a good time to review why we are going on this trip. I'm sure you know a week in Beijing is not going to make you an expert on China or provide an insight into all the workings of global business. So why?

Visiting a country is important to developing what Kamazki and Kayes call intercultural competence.
Inter cultural competence is defined in terms of the ability to use appropriate interpersonal, informational, analytical, action, and adaptive skills in intercultural situations (Yamazaki & Kayes, 2004). The trip provides an opportunity to increase your awareness of the necessity of these skills and a chance for you to practice.

During the trip you should think about the importance of these skills and seek out ways to practice. Use your journal to record your progress in developing these skills.

Interpersonal. Cross cultural interpersonal skills include the ability to form and build relationships with people from other cultures. This occurs by understanding, respecting, and learning about the culture in which they live.

Informational. Cross cultural informational skills include observing the host culture and responding to new and unexpected experiences. These skills also include seeking out information prior to the visit.

Action. Cross cultural action skills include the ability to act even in ambiguous situations. This would include the ability to prepare for engaging in business actions in a foreign country.

Adaptive. Cross cultural adaptive skills include the ability to adapt to the changing circumstances experienced in foreign countries. This included developing methods for coping with stresses of interacting in a foreign culture.

Analytical. Cross cultural analytical skills include the ability to take abstract and conceptual understanding of the values and practices of a foreign country and design appropriate responses to cross cultural situations.

The week in Beijing is designed to put you in situations where you can use these skills, but you have to take the initiative to do so. Can you come back from this experience unchanged accept for a new knockoff purse/wallet and a set of chopsticks? Sure. Can you come back from this experience more confident in your ability to handle cross cultural situations? I hope so. Can you come back from this experience changed in significant ways with a increased curiosity, interest and respect for the world around you? It is up to you.

Happy Packing! Save room for tea sets, chopsticks, and other fun things.