Enhancing Cultural Sensitivity – Cross Culture Introduced

One of the biggest problems in cross cultural interactions and studying in a foreign country has to do with the lack of cultural sensitivity.

It was quite by accident, that I joined the IIMBA freshmen orientation this week, organized by the senior students who wanted to give the freshmen some of the introduction they didn’t have. Jake, a “super senior” IIMBA student, gave a good lecture regarding culture that I believe serves as a good introduction to the topic. Following is his presentation :

One thing, though. Although at times, Greet Hofstede’s statement that culture “is  more often a source of conflict rather than synergy” is valid especially when business is concerned, I would try to apply cultural sensitivity here as well and generally disagree. It depends on the persons involved. More often, especially here in Taiwan, cross-cultural interactions are sometimes what I like the most – they’re fascinating, intriguing, motivating, humbling, eye-opening and – if done with the right sensitivity – synergic. I’ve learned more about myself and the world this past year than I probably have in a decade back home. I hope some of my international and local friends could say the same about their interactions with me.

The other presentations, for those interested in IIMBA-NCKU, can be found on INCKU.