What is culture?

:
What is culture? Culture is a set of accepted behavior patterns, values, assumptions, and shared common
experiences.
Acculturation :
Acculturation Acculturation is the process of adjusting and adapting to a specific culture other than ones own. It is
one of the keys to success in international operations.
What Is Cross Culture Training? :
What Is Cross Culture Training? The cross-cultural training in general can be defined as Any intervention aimed at
increasing an individuals capability to cope with and work in foreign environment
Objectives Of Cross Culture Training :
Objectives Of Cross Culture Training Cross Culture Training aims to develop awareness between people where a
common cultural framework does not exists in order to promote clear lines of communication and better relationships.
Cross cultural awareness training deals with the manifestations of culture in the workplace and has many
applications. Its main purpose is to evaluate and constructively tackle the challenges cross cultural differences can
bring to the workplace.
Need for Cross Culture Training :
Need for Cross Culture Training Reduce the risk of conducting international business. Gain a greater understanding
of how culture impacts on business communication. Make a success of your international assignment. Develop new
skills and strategies to manage, motivate and lead multicultural teams. Become culturally competent in a complex
international environment.
Selection Criteria for International Assignments: Managers :
Selection Criteria for International Assignments: Managers Adaptability Education Knowledge of local language
Support of spouse & children Leadership Self-reliance Physical & emotional health Age Experience
Benefits Of Cross Culture Training :
Benefits Of Cross Culture Training People Learn About Themselves. Encourage Confidence. Break Down Barriers.
Build Trust. Motivate. Open Horizons . Develop Interpersonal Skills. Develop Listening Skills. People Use Common
Ground. Career Development.
Types of Cross Culture Training Programs :
Types of Cross Culture Training Programs Environmental Briefings Provide information about things such as
geography, climate, housing, and schools. Cultural Orientation Familiarize the individual with cultural institutions and
value systems of the host country.
Cont. :
Cont. Cultural Assimilators Programmed learning techniques designed to expose members of one culture to some
of the basic concepts, attitudes, role perceptions, customs, and values of another culture. Language Training
Language provides access to local society. Develop both verbal and non verbal skills.
Cont. :
Field Experience Send participant to the country of assignment to undergo some of the emotional stress of living and
working with people from a different culture. Sensitivity Training Develop attitudinal flexibility. Cont.
Conclusion :
Conclusion A Chinese proverb says... If you are planning for a year, sow rice If you are planning for a decade, plant
treesIf you are planning for a lifetime, educate people. To sustain and develop in the global environment adaptation to
different cultures is very important for which cross culture training is the key.

2) Different Approaches in cross-cultural training:Different approaches can be used to train and

raise intercultural awareness. Based on Littrell et al, one can distinguish between the following
approaches:
a) Attribution training: In this type of training, employees in an international environment try to
interpret behavior from the viewpoint of nationals from the host culture.
b) Culture awareness training: This method of training makes use of cultural sensitivity training
groups (so-called T-groups) to explore the expatriot's culture of origin. The assumption is that through
understanding one's own biases and values, expatriots understand better the dynamics of intercultural
communication.
c) Interaction Training: This method involves on-the-job training where the expatriot employee
learns the basics from an experienced and established expatriot.
d) Didactic training: This method of this training is to provide the expatriot with practical
information and facts regarding living conditions, cultural differences, job details, etc.
e) Experiential training: This type of intercultural training uses simulations, role plays and visits to
the host country
f) Language training: Language acquisition plays an important role in understanding a new culture
and adjusting to it. However, one should make a clear distinction between linguistic skills and
intercultural skills.