Intercultural competence

Business English

Questions to discuss• What is cultural diversity? • What types of differences does it cover?

What is right? In terms of…• directness• eye-contact• self-praise• smile• small-talk• structure• body-language

• formal greeting• the meanings of silence and pause• posture toward hierarchy and

authority • The meaning of gift-giving • the meaning of intonation in

speech • how agreement and

disagreement is expressed • gestures to avoid

Sample of not being aware of the local customsThe wolf of Wall Street

What happened in the video?Who were they?Where were they?What were they talking about?

What aspect of culture was a shock?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyFJx9GGumQ

Communication patternshttp://www.businessinsider.com/communication-charts-around-the-world-2014-3

Funny ads: “Importance of local knowledge”Watch the ads and identify a) What cultures are represented?b) What cultural aspects are the ads about?c) Are these stereotypes true or biased?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUCODUvKbzE

More questions to discuss• What tips do you have to deal with cultural diversity?

Being observant, for example by mirroring body language.

Appreciating differences and being adaptable

Being patient and tolerant.In short, being emotionally intelligent!

Why are intercultural competences essential in business?Article: Why do employers think that intercultural skills are important?/ How do employers evaluate job candidates for intercultural skills?http://www.britishcouncil.org/blog/why-employers-value-intercultural-skillsTo sum up:• Brought in new clients• Worked well within diverse teams• Supported a good brand and reputation for their organization

Common questions related to cultural competence in job interviews

• Do you adjust to the others? Or Do you expect them to adjust to them?• How do you define success?• Is punctuality important to you? Why or why not?• What would you do if you see someone excluding others based on

Culture or Gender?• Are you a good teamworker?• How do you react towards criticism?• How you would describe yourself as a social person?• Could you describe what a good leader is for you?

• Can you tell me about a time when you have given advice or attempted to persuade someone of something in a language other than your native language?• Have you ever been in a cross cultural team in pursuit of a goal? How was

this different to a mono cultural team? What problems did it create and how did you overcome them?• Can you tell me about a time when you had to prepare and deliver a

presentation or a communication for an audience of attendees from different countries and cultures? How did you ensure that the presentation was clearly understood by the intercultural and international audience?

HW: Video about cultural diversity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDvLk7e2Irc