Johari Window

Bottom left (hidden) indicates the situation of the personal nightmare. You may not be willing to go to another country because you already know that the adaptation is going to ask more than you are willing to give.

The final position (bottom right, unknown) is like 'I did not know I had it in me'. This may range from simple to very complex. An example is that you automatically apply a rule of politeness your parents had instilled in you and get through; this in contrast to someone with the same national background in a similar situation but without this idea of politeness.

The Johari window is often used in consultancy to make people aware of their behaviour. In the same vein it may be used to demonstrate the nature of dealing with cultural differences.

If a Dutchman goes abroad and s/he would not know anything about culture, s/he might be in the position on the top right, blind spot. S/he would probably behave like a Dutchman, on automatic pilot, while others notice that that behaviour is not adapted to the situation or the group s/he is in. This may easily create irritation (for the others, not understanding why the Dutchman does not adapt) and confusion (the person in question, not understanding why the others are irritated).

When people then take the Dutchman for a few beers to talk about it, s/he moves to the position on the top left, open. S/he becomes aware of not being adapted and might try to do something about it. However, you do not develop a full cultural competence over a few beers!