Dealing with Differences

Although a lot has been written on the importance and ways and means of dealing with cultural differences, as well as the negative consequences of failing to do so, it fails in helping you out in day-to-day reality (e.g. applicability of theories or specific tips, importance of home country, adaptation to individual). What you need, is cultural competence (see Culture 10). Ultimately dealing with another (national) culture comes down to the individual level, not the construct of averages but a person with likes and dislikes and never fully fitting those averages. It is not just blah-blah but something you can work on (cultural competence). It is not just politeness, but that does help. It is juggling paradigms but it is definitely not about arguing or shouting your opinion across.

The idea of dealing with cultural differences may be depicted as a bridge between your own culture and the culture of the other party you are dealing with. Such a bridge is founded on respect for the other as a fundamental condition, based on the equality of people. Do not say that the other is behaving in an odd way, just accept the way s/he is behaving and try to understand where this behaviour is coming from. Furthermore, common interests need to be recognised. The figure also draws attention to the necessity of knowing your own culture (from individual to country), the culture of the other (the importance of trying to understand the culture of the other) as well as realising how your own culture comes across to your discussion partner.