A Global Nomad's Guide to One-World Thinking

Here's one of the handouts that I used in my recent ISPI session.

Differences That Make A Difference

Here are 14 important dimensions along which people from various cultures differ from each other:

Self: Individualist - Collectivist
Responsibility: Universalist - Particularist
Logic: Subjective - Objective
Time: Monochronic - Polychronic
Multitasking: Low - High
Control: Internal - External
Communication: Direct - Indirect
Context: Low - High
Face: Unimportant - Important
Power Distance: Low - High
Uncertainty: Positive - Skeptical
Work: Achievement - Quality of Life
Productivity: Results - Harmony
Status: Achieved - Ascribed

For additional information about these dimensions, refer to Craig Storti (1999). Figuring Foreigners Out. Yarmouth, Maine: Intercultural Press. ISBN: 1-877864-70-6

Here is another handout used at the same session:

How to Collaborate with a Colleague from Another Culture

Specify the area for collaboration.
Identify relevant cultural dimensions.
Identify your personal biases.
Identify the other person's biases.
Identify potential clashes.
Classify potential clashes.
Develop suitable strategies for handling clashes.
Revise your strategies based on expert advice.
Implement your strategies.
Make adjustments to your strategies.
Debrief.