HOW DO YOU BEGIN TO DEVELOP
CULTURAL AWARENESS IN AN
INTERNATIONAL PROJECT TEAM?
Group 2 presentation by:
Maaz Idrees, Okafor Chioma, Umair Saeed,
Hsu Po-Kai, Ladeji Kolawole
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Outline
Group Introduction
Introduction
What is Culture & Cultural Awareness?
Why develop Cultural Awareness?
How to Develop Cultural Awareness?
Conclusion
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Group Introduction
Each group member introduces himself/herself
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Introduction
"As we grow in awareness of one another – whether two
people beginning a romance or two disparate and far
removed strangers taking an interest in the other's
culture – a wonderful thing begins to happen: we
begin to care for the other as if the other is part of us.
This is the magic of life that our ancient teachers have
bid us to see; the invisible filaments of
interconnectedness that bind us together in love and
appreciation."
-- Scott A. Hunt
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What is Culture & Cultural Awareness?
Culture:
The set of adopted and shared attitudes, values, goals, and
practices that characterizes an institution, organization or
group
Cultural Awareness:
Learning about other peoples way of life i.e custom,
belief/credence, law, religion etc.
Is the basis of communication and it involves the ability of
standing back from ourselves and becoming aware of ours
and others cultural values, credence and perceptions.
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Why Develop Cultural Awareness?
To achieve maximum cooperation amongst team
members which is like a pre-requisite for the success of
the project.
To honour and celebrate our uniqueness bearing in
mind everybody wants to be celebrated. –
Because what may be usual and tolerable in my culture
may be strange and unacceptable in other cultures. –
issue of handshake with female in some
culture/religion is not acceptable.
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Why Develop Cultural Awareness?
To address individual customer (customized) needs
and tastes.
To build trust respect and understanding.
The solidarity of the project team can be affected by
the simplest cultural misunderstanding which can
eventually affect successful completion of the project.
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How to Develop Cultural Awareness?
The Project team should identify a clear framework for
analysing and understanding national cultural differences i.e
Hofstede or Trompenaars .
Individualism/Collectivism
Power Distance
Uncertainty avoidance
Masculinity/Feminity
By realizing your culture is in no way superior or inferior to the
cultures of other team members
By seeking to learn the strengths and weaknesses of other
cultures
By identifying the impact of different cultural settings.
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How to Develop Cultural Awareness
Establish a reward system that puts a premium on
collaborative success.
Design performance measurement to include working
across geographical boundaries, successful
integration, across cultures, sharing of information,
completing interdependent deliverables,
sharing critical information to support virtual
teamwork, and meeting team objectives.
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How to Develop Cultural Awareness
Develop an operating agreement that details how the
team will work together that will address issues like:
Conflict resolution
Escalation of issues
Communication tools
Good understanding of the HR Policies of the other
company (If your team has to work with another
company)
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Conclusion
“Difference is of the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident
of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or
conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a
most fundamental principle of peace: respect for diversity”.
John Hume
We can work best with one another in an international project team if
each member seeks to know, understand, appreciate and respect the
culture of the other.
The appreciation and respect for others culture in an international
project team is the lubricant that enhances the smooth movement of
the wheel of the project’s progress.
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THANK YOU
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