Cultural Reflections and Global Interactions: An Intercultural Self-Assessment

Posted byAllan MangunePosted inLife Long LearningTags:, , , ,

Introduction

Intercultural communication is the exchange between individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. In this essay, I’ll conduct an introspective intercultural assessment using the Lewis Model, examine the implications of globalization on personal experiences, and discuss my approach to conflict resolution.

Lewis Model

My cultural classification, according to the Lewis Model, is ‘linear-active’. This categorization suggests a preference for direct communication, organized behavior, individual achievement, and a balanced approach to work and life:

  • Direct Communication – I value clear, explicit dialogue that is fact-based and logically structured, with a penchant for precise language that avoids ambiguity.
  • Behavioral Traits – Efficiency, organization, and goal orientation are traits I embody. I believe that preparation and punctuality are essential, and I appreciate structured meetings and professional protocols.
  • Individualism – I emphasize personal responsibility and success. The decision-making process tends to be task-oriented with a clear hierarchy, and I prefer autonomous work with ownership over my responsibilities.
  • Work-Life Balance – There’s a distinct separation between professional duties and personal life, with a focus on task-oriented productivity during work hours.

In my experience with international corporations, I’ve honed these attributes, which I find crucial for the timely completion of projects. However, it’s important to recognize that in a multicultural setting, varied cultural types can lead to differing approaches, sometimes resulting in project inefficiencies. To mitigate this, many companies have established standardized procedures, such as the Scrum methodology in agile software development, which emphasizes iterative processes and direct stakeholder communication to bolster success rates.

Globalization

The concept of globalization, while ancient in origin, has been revolutionized by information technology. Globalization has expanded my access to international products and services, allowed for the utilization of advanced technologies, and diversified my cultural experiences. It has also afforded me the opportunity to pursue an online master’s degree from a U.S. institution and gain employment with a U.S.-based company. Despite these benefits, globalization presents challenges, including cultural homogenization and increased job market competition. Additionally, it facilitates the rapid transmission of diseases, as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Globalization has reshaped my communication methods and work interactions through advanced telecommunication tools, necessitating an understanding of various cultural backgrounds to prevent miscommunication and conflict.

Conflict Resolution

My approach to conflict resolution is best described as ‘compromise’. I strive for mutual concessions to achieve agreement. This pragmatic method often results in expedient solutions. Nonetheless, Lazier (2017) notes that compromising may not satisfy all parties and could lead to settling for suboptimal outcomes instead of addressing core issues. While compromise can preserve relationships, it may not always be appropriate, particularly when ethical principles or regulatory constraints are at stake. Transparent cooperation and joint problem-solving are often more effective, as advocated by Shonk (2013).

Conclusion

Understanding cultural types is instrumental in facilitating effective cross-cultural communication and fostering positive collaborations with people from diverse backgrounds. Globalization brings substantial advantages but also poses significant challenges. Employing appropriate conflict resolution techniques is crucial for creating a harmonious and cooperative environment.

References

Published by Allan Mangune

I hold the esteemed qualification of a Certified Public Accountant and have earned a Master's degree in Science with a specialization in Computer Information Systems. Since entering the realm of software development in 2000, my focus has been on adopting secure coding practices, an endeavour I have intensified after receiving my Certified Ethical Hacker v5 certification in 2008. My professional journey includes guiding clients through their digital transformation journey, particularly emphasizing digital security issues. For more than ten years, I have provided Agile Project Management training to well-known companies. I am a Certified ScrumMaster and have completed the Prince2 Agile Foundation certification. I had the privilege of being recognized as a Microsoft MVP for ASP.NET for ten consecutive years. Previously, I also served as a Microsoft Certified Trainer. As a hobby, I enjoy assembling personal unmanned aerial vehicles during my downtime.

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