Knowledge

This series of brief e-books on cultures already illustrates how much knowledge on culture is readily available. This range may be summarised in five groups.

The group culture in general contains all the different theories, whether they relate to states, organisations, teams or family, including all the different models and their implications. Furthermore, quite a bit of knowledge is available on elements or aspects of culture, not being part of a theory (e.g. multicultural society, projects, communication). The impact of knowledge should also be taken into account. Finally, the relevance for you needs to considered, as well as the application in specific circumstances.

Secondly, detailed knowledge of your national identity is required, in particular the nature of the national culture of the state live in or come from and how that national culture comes across in other states. Specifically you should know how you as an individual person fits in that wider framework, is it enabling or constraining?

The latter question refers to the third group, individual identity. Self-knowledge may be the start of wisdom but is definitely the start of dealing with cultural differences. Knowledge in this group relates to the cultures that have influenced you as a person and still are influencing you (the bottom of the triangle model), as well as their impact on communication.

Based on the first group you need practical knowledge on the culture of others, ranging from national cultures through organisations and teams to the individuals you have to deal with abroad. The emphasis is on impact and implication and how it supports your behaviour and communication.

Finally, you need knowledge on how to deal with cultural differences, both in general and individually (what works for you).