| Our
Approach
Culturewise's unique approach to cross-cultural training and
consulting uses two unique models to define and develop
cross-cultural competence among our clients:
1. The M-TASK model provides clients with a clear
understanding of the nature of cross-culturally competent
individuals, teams and organisations. M-TASK stands for
Motivated to succeed across cultures
The ability to demonstrate enthusiasm for working with individuals
and teams from other backgrounds.
Tolerant for ambiguity
The ability to react constructively and with a minimum of stress in
situations where the rules underpinning acceptable or desirable
behaviour are unknown or misunderstood.
Adaptable in assumptions, expectations and behaviour
The ability to gather relevant information and put into place
appropriate options for performing more effectively in
cross-cultural situations.
Sensitive to cultural issues
The ability to demonstrate awareness of, and sensitivity to, the
influence of culture on one’s own and other people’s thoughts,
perceptions and behaviour.
Knowledgeable about other cultures
The ability to demonstrate understanding of the logic underpinning
other cultures, and how this logic impacts on the way individuals
perceive, think and act.
The M-TASK Inventory is designed to measure current levels of
cross-cultural competence, and identify priority areas for
individual and team development.
2. The Six-Steps to Cross-Cultural Effectiveness model
provides a structured route-map for the prioritisation and
development of cross-cultural awareness, understanding and skills
in individuals, teams and organisations.
1. Stop Thinking Your Way Is The Only Way
Recognise and accept difference.
Develop an awareness of what culture is and how it manifests itself
Make
a conscious decision to acknowledge cultural differences
2. Not Better Or Worse - Just Different
Separate description from interpretation and evaluation
Make
a conscious effort to refrain from stereotyped or immediate judgements
Avoid simplistic labels of ‘good’ or ‘bad’
Tolerate others, but reject intolerance: cultural relativism is not
moral relativism
3. Know Yourself To Know Others
Surface your own cultural assumptions
Recognise the cultural biases behind your own perceptions, thoughts
and actions
Learn your cultural ‘Red Flags’
Avoid imposing your values and norms on others
4. Identify Contrasting Values, Assumptions and Behaviours
Develop awareness of other ways of thinking and acting
Aim to understand others from their
own perspective
Be curious - look for similarities, and look for differences at all
cultural levels
Make use of a variety of resources to find our how things are done
5. Think And Act Culture Smart
Consider Tactics, Timing and Talk
Build bridges, break down barriers and communicate effectively
Recognise and resolve cross-cultural misunderstandings (RADAR)
Move outside your comfort zone. But..., be yourself
6. From Reconciliation Comes Innovation
Explore what can be learnt from different approaches
Clarify your expectations about how things should be done
Develop working partnerships that add value from diversity
Recognise you have choices. Cultures can be reconciled, shaped and
changed.
In addition, our facilitator, authors and consultancy people are well
versed in the most up-to-date information and have a sound base of
practical knowledge on which to draw. Our extensive network of
external consultants also gives us the ability to cover even the
most specialised market sectors or regions. |
