western/northwestern/rch alliance. aims be aware of the importance of culture be able to identify...
TRANSCRIPT
Western/Northwestern/RCH Alliance
AimsBe aware of the importance of cultureBe able to identify cultural barriers to
communicationLearn strategies to overcome these barriersDevelop “cultural competence”
CultureA pattern of ideas, rules, values, beliefs,
habitsAcquired through interactions with peopleInfluenced by age, gender, family, economic
status, personality, experience, career, etcProvide a value systemDynamic: evolving over timeDifficult to define!
Cultural AwarenessThe ability to recognize your own cultural
values, and those of other culturesBeing respectful and open-mindedAvoidance of stereotypingSensitivity to culturally-specific needs
Note: awareness can be a passive process
Cultural CompetenceThe ability to maintain positive outcomes in
cross-cultural encountersIt is an active processRequires attitude, knowledge and experience
DifficultiesIt is normal to feel stressed, overwhelmed,
misunderstood, or threatened when facing people from an unfamiliar culture
Things which seem logical to them will make no sense to you
You may find yourself being stereotyped, or be tempted to stereotype them
Culture is complex
Cultural DimensionsAll cultures lie between these two extremes of
value
Individualism
Equality
Gender indifference
Shades of grey
Short-term values
Collectivism
Hierarchy
Gender differentiation
Black and white
Long-term values
Individualism versus CollectivismIndividualism CollectivismPrivacyRightsPersonal ResponsibilityPersonal choice
LoyaltyFriendlinessPart of a groupSocial obligations
Where does Australia lie on this cultural dimension?Where does your own culture lie?
Power DistanceEquality HierarchySocial welfareSocialising is casual,
lack of rulesEqual rights for all
groups
Unequal distribution of wealth, status and power
Rigid rules governing social behaviour
Where does Australia lie on this cultural dimension?Where does your own culture lie?
Gender DifferentiationMale / Female Distinction
Gender Indifference
• Men and women take on different, and non-interchangeable roles
• Affects clothing, language, behaviours, sometimes rights
Men and women are seen as equivalent in terms of roles they can take on
Gender does not define how you behave
Where does Australia lie on this cultural dimension?Where does your own culture lie?
Tolerance for UncertaintyBlack and White Shades of GreyBelief in absolutesRules and regulationsRisk avoidanceOften single viewpoint
No ultimate truthAnarchisticRisk takingMultiple perspectives
Where does Australia lie on this cultural dimension?Where does your own culture lie?
Time frameShort-term values Long-term orientationRapidly changingInnovationsToday’s problems are
more important than those in 50 years’ time
Tradition and stabilityDislike of changeConservativeMakes sacrifices for
long-term gain
Where does Australia lie on this cultural dimension?Where does your own culture lie?
Australian Culture/CommunicationVerbal communication
Direct, to the pointBrevity versus decorationInterrupting a speakerDifference of opinionUse of humourEmotions
Australian Culture/CommunicationNon-verbal communication
Facial expressionEye contactGesturesTouch and personal spaceDegree of emotion
Australian Culture/CommunicationWritten Communication
LogicalLinearComprehensive
Australian Culture / Sense of TimeMonochronic time sense
Strictly punctualAttention is given to the current taskInterruptions are avoided
Polychronic time senseTimetables and schedules are less important
than other obligations
Australian Culture / Approach to Illness and DeathDenial of illness and deathMuch effort spent on avoiding itLack of acceptance of one’s “fate”
Australian Culture / Legal Issues in the WorkplaceEqual opportunityMulticulturalismConsentConfidentialityBoundaries to sexual advancesFormal complaints procedure
Specific Issues for doctors working in AustraliaAlcoholSexuality - attitudes and behavioursAboriginal healthMental healthAgeing and community care
Your InputWhat have you experienced?
Problems with cross-cultural encounters? Misunderstanding or being misunderstood?Surprising elements of Australian culture?Stereotyping or pre-formed opinions?Interesting differences between cultures?