The "lens" through which we view the World

By: Vadim Kotelnikov, Founder of 1world1way

 

"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle." ~ Albert Camus

"A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

 

Cultural Intelligence Corporate Culture Managing Cross-cultural Differences Vadim Kotelnikov Pearls of Wisdom Teamwork Harnessing the Power of Diversity Cultural Intelligence Understanding Perceptions Rapport Innovation 1000ventures.com Culture CULTURE, What Is Culture, Cultural Intelligence Concepts

 

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The Power of Balance

World Cultures, Philosophies and Religions

One World

We Are the Same

Our Common Goal – Brotherhood

Pearls of Wisdom: East vs. West

Buddhism

Spiritual Growth and Facing Reality Unafraid

Christianity

Jesus on Love

Hinduism

Gain the Highest Through Knowledge

Islam

Islamic Wisdom Quotes

Taoism

Business Plan Composed of Lao Tzu Quotes

Zen

Zen Teachings by Bodhidhamra

Enneagram

Enneagram Analysis: Styles of Some World Cultures

World Unity in Cultural Diversity

Sexless Cultures

Managing Cultural Differences

East vs. West: Philosophies and Cultural Values

Ten3 Global Business Self-Learning Report

Culture Dimension Scores

Cross-cultural Communication

12 Tips for Global Business Travelers

Most Common Causes of Joint Venture Failure

Harnessing the Power of Diversity

What Is Culture?

"Culture is the whole complex of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features that characterizes a society or a group. It includes creative expressions, community practices and material or built forms." 

– from Our Creative Diversity: The UN World Commission on Culture and Development Report

Culture is the "lens" through which you view the world. It is central to what you see, how you make sense of what you see, and how you express yourself.

Culture in general is concerned with beliefs and values on the basis of which people interpret experiences and behave, individually and in groups. Broadly and simply put, "culture" refers to a group or community with which you share common experiences that shape the way you understand the world.

 

 

 

The same person, thus, can belong to several different cultures depending on his or her birthplace; nationality; ethnicity; family status; gender; age; language; education; physical condition; sexual orientation; religion; profession; place of work and its corporate culture.

Cultural Intelligence (CQ)

Cultural intelligence is your capability to grow personally through continuous learning and good understanding of diverse cultural heritage, wisdom and values, and to deal effectively with people from different cultural background and understanding... More

Four Cultural Dimensions

According to Geert Hofstede3, cultures – both national and organizational – differ along many dimensions. Four of the most important are:

  1. Directness (get to the point versus imply the messages)

  2. Hierarchy (follow orders versus engage in debate)

  3. Consensus (dissent is accepted versus unanimity is needed)

  4. Individualism (individual winners versus team effectiveness)

Managing Cross-Cultural Differences

Culture is often at the root of communication challenges. Exploring historical experiences and the ways in which various cultural groups have related to each other is key to opening channels for cross-cultural communication. Becoming more aware of cultural differences, as well as exploring cultural similarities, can help you communicate with others more effectively. Next time you find yourself in a confusing situation, ask yourself how culture may be shaping your own reactions, and try to see the world from the other's point of view... More

World Unity in Cultural Diversity Quotes

"I believe that strong and vibrant cultures themselves nurture tolerance and justice. All cultures worth the name protect support and encourage diversity; and justice is the practical mechanism which enables them to do so." ~ Nafis Sadik

"If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place." ~ Margaret Mead... More

Manager's Worldly Mindset

People tend to think of the world as an increasingly homogenous place but it is really a collection of worlds within worlds, with definite boundaries and edges. Just because a company sells products globally it may not take into account how those products are perceived and used in different cultures. Managers with a worldly mindset spend time in places where products are made, customers served, and environment threatened.1

 Case in Point  DuPont

A US-based multicultural team at DuPont gained around US$45 million in new business by changing the way decorating materials are developed and marketed. The changes included new colors that team members new, from their experience within other cultures, would appeal more to their overseas customers.2

Harnessing Cultural Intelligence (CQ), Leveraging Diversity (PowerPoint presentation download, Vadim Kotelnikov, World Cultures)

   

 

 

References:

  1. "The Five Minds of a Manager," J.Gosling and H.Mintzberg

  2. "Developing a Culture for Diversity", Chris Speechley and Ruth Wheatley

  3. "Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind", Geert Hofstede