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Global Competencies Advice #1

Cross Cultural Management. Make an interview

GM

8/14/20261 min read

Make the most of your time abroad: step outside your comfort zone, practice these international competencies, and turn everyday experiences into opportunities for personal and global growth.

ADVICE #1. Improve your Cross Cultural Management. How?

Cultural Interview

Objective: Develop your cross-cultural management skills by learning directly from someone who is a member of the local community.

Activity: Interview a local person about how culture influences everyday life, communication, relationships, and professional behavior. The interview should last approximately 15–20 minutes and include questions about areas such as:

  • Workplace and management practices

  • Communication styles and etiquette

  • Family roles and relationships

  • Social customs and traditions

  • Business practices and professional relationships

  • Attitudes toward time, hierarchy, authority, and personal relationships

Your task: Identify at least five significant differences between the local culture and your own cultural background. For each difference, explain:

Reflection Question:What did you learn from this interview that could help you communicate, work, or build relationships more effectively with people from the host culture?

Important: Focus on understanding cultural differences rather than judging them as better or worse. The goal is to develop curiosity, cultural awareness, and the ability to adapt your behavior to different cultural contexts.