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5.8 Summary

PLEASE NOTE: This book is currently in draft form; material is not final.

In this chapter we explored intercultural and international communication, observing the wide range of differences across economic, legal, and management areas. It is a distinct challenge to work abroad, and we’ve discussed the international assignment, culture shock, and tips for success. Learning to maneuver the day to day tasks as well as trade, business, and legal issues in an other country is difficult, but an awareness of the importance of group communication and its impact on our interactions is an important first step.

Review Questions

  1. How would you describe a theory x manager’s actions?
  2. How would you describe a theory y manager’s actions?
  3. How would you recognize culture shock?
  4. What are three steps you can take to prepare for a trip or living abroad?
  5. What are the two common legal systems in the world? Please describe them.

Additional Resources

Visit the website of culture scholar Edward T. Hall. http://www.edwardthall.com/index.html

Learn about intercultural awareness in the classroom by reading this article. Pedelty, Mark (2001). Self as other: An intercultural performance exercise. Multicultural Education, Spring. Accessed 5/2/09 at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3935/is_200104/ai_n8937001/.

Visit these sites to explore the history and traditions of some famous American businesses. http://www.ford.com/about-ford/heritage and http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/our_company/mcd_history.html

Learn more about Geert Hofstede’s research on culture by exploring his website. http://www.geert-hofstede.com/geert_hofstede_resources.shtml

Read advice from the U.S. Department of State on living abroad. http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/living_1243.html

Visit the blog of a young California woman who, after college graduation, accepted a job as an au pair in Germany. http://www.aupairingermany.blogspot.com/

Visit ExpatExchange: A World of Friends Abroad to learn about the opportunities, experiences, and emotions of people living and working in foreign countries and cultures worldwide. http://www.expatexchange.com/newsarchiveall.cfm

PLEASE NOTE: This book is currently in draft form; material is not final.