Page 7 - 4126

the workplace, gradually attains a more acute appreciation of cultural
differences. The different types of appreciation are cross-cultural
knowledge, cross-cultural awareness, cross-cultural sensitivity and
cross-cultural competence. Although all the terms may appear similar
in meaning, subtle differences exist between them.

'Cross-Cultural Knowledge' is critical to basic cross-cultural
understanding. Without it cross-cultural appreciation cannot take
place. It refers to a surface level familiarization with cultural
characteristics, values, beliefs and behaviours.

'Cross-Cultural Awareness' develops from cross-cultural knowledge as
the learner understands and appreciates a culture internally. This may
also be accompanied by changes within the learner's behaviour and
attitudes such as a greater flexibility and openness.

'Cross-Cultural Sensitivity' is a natural by-product of awareness and
refers to an ability to read into situations, contexts and behaviours that
are culturally rooted and be able to react to them appropriately. A
suitable response necessitates that the actor no longer carries his/her
own culturally determined interpretations of the situation or behaviour
(i.e. good/bad, right/wrong) which can only be nurtured through both
cross cultural knowledge and awareness.

'Cross-Cultural Competence' is and should be the aim of all those
dealing with multicultural clients, customers or colleagues.
'Competence' is the final stage of cross cultural understanding and
signifies the actor's ability to work effectively across cultures. Cross
cultural competency is beyond knowledge, awareness and sensitivity
in that it is the digestion, integration and transformation of all the
skills and information acquired through them, applied to create
cultural synergy within the workplace.

CROSS-CULTURAL TRAINING FOR BUSINESS

Cross-cultural training is important, particularly in an international
business context.
7