Enhancing Global Perspective through Interactions with Other Cultures
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Meru University College of Science and Technology (MUCST) *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
238
Subject
Communications
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by kipketervictor40
1
Enhancing Global Perspective through Interactions with Other Cultures
Student name
Institutional
Date of submission
2
In my interactions with people from other cultures, I have struggled to balance my ability
to think globally and act locally. While I have been exposed to different cultures and have
developed a certain level of understanding and acceptance towards them, I have also encountered
moments where I have failed to adapt to their specific customs and ways of communication (Sun
et al., 2021). In this essay, I will reflect on my global perspective, discuss my interactions with
individuals from diverse backgrounds, analyze my strengths and weaknesses during these
experiences, and suggest ways to enhance my global perspective by seeking out multicultural
experiences.
During my interactions with people from other cultures, I believe I have been more
successful in thinking globally than acting locally. As a business student, I have been taught to
think globally and understand the complexities of conducting business in a globalized world.
However, when it comes to putting this knowledge into practice, I have struggled to adapt to
different cultures' local nuances and customs. For instance, during a group project in a cross-
cultural management class, I worked with a team of students from various cultural backgrounds.
While I could contribute my global perspective and suggest strategies from a broad viewpoint, I
found it challenging to navigate my teammates' different communication styles and decision-
making processes (Li et al., 2021).
This experience made me realize the importance of not only
thinking globally but also being able to act locally to collaborate with individuals from diverse
backgrounds effectively.
In another instance, I had a customer service interaction over the phone with an agent
from a different cultural background. As a part of my job, I frequently interact with customers
from various parts of the world. While I am well-versed in the products and services offered by
my company, I have found it challenging to adjust to customers' different accents and speech
3
patterns, leading to communication barriers and misunderstandings (Sun et al., 2021). This has
highlighted the need to improve my local adaptability skills, especially when I have to
communicate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Reflecting on my interactions with people from other cultures, I have identified my
strengths and weaknesses. One of my strengths is my ability to think globally. Due to my
exposure to different cultures through travel and education, I have developed an open-minded
mindset and an understanding of the world's interconnectedness. This has allowed me to view
situations from different perspectives and recognize culture's influence on behavior and decision-
making (Hale et al., 2020). Additionally, my self-awareness and willingness to learn have helped
me be mindful of my biases and stereotypes when interacting with individuals from different
cultures.
However, my weakness lies in my ability to act locally. While I have a theoretical
understanding of cultural differences, I have struggled to put this into practice in real-life
situations. I have found myself imposing my cultural values and norms onto others, expecting
them to conform rather than adapting to their communication and behavior (Hale et al., 2020).
This has led to misunderstandings and conflicts, hindering effective communication and
collaboration. Furthermore, I have found it challenging to navigate subtle cultural differences,
such as body language and communication styles, which can significantly impact relationships
and business interactions.
To enhance my global perspective, I believe I must seek out multicultural experiences.
These experiences will provide me with the opportunity to not only understand different cultures
but also to engage and adapt to them actively. One way to do this is through travel. Visiting
different countries and immersing myself in their cultures will expose me to diverse forms of
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
4
life, communication styles, and perspectives (Li et al., 2021).
By actively engaging with
individuals from different backgrounds, I can learn to be more adaptable and understand their
customs and traditions.
Additionally, I can seek out cross-cultural learning experiences through internships or
volunteering in international organizations. This will give me hands-on experience in navigating
cultural differences and working with people from various backgrounds (Li et al., 2021). I must
adapt to the company's cultural values and norms in a professional setting, further honing my
local adaptability skills.
Moreover, I can also take advantage of multicultural events and activities within my
community. Attending cultural festivals, trying different cuisines, and participating in cultural
workshops can expose me to diverse perspectives and customs (Yang et al., 2019). These
experiences will not only enhance my global perspective but also promote cultural competence
and sensitivity.
In conclusion, reflecting on my interactions with people from other cultures, I have
realized the importance of thinking globally and acting locally. While I have a strong foundation
in thinking globally, I still have room for growth in acting locally. By seeking out multicultural
experiences, such as travel, cross-cultural internships, and engaging in community events, I can
enhance my global perspective and develop the crucial skill of adapting to local cultures (Yang et
al., 2019). As a future manager, I need a strong international outlook to effectively navigate the
complexities of a globalized world and build successful relationships with individuals from
diverse backgrounds.
5
References
Hale, R. C., Seeley, M. E., La Guardia, M. J., Mai, L., & Zeng, E. Y. (2020). A global perspective
on microplastics. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 125(1), e2018JC014719.
Li, J. P. O., Liu, H., Ting, D. S., Jeon, S., Chan, R. P., Kim, J. E., ... & Ting, D. S. (2021). Digital
technology, telemedicine and artificial intelligence in ophthalmology: A global
perspective. Progress in retinal and eye research, 82, 100900.
Sun, H., Edziah, B. K., Kporsu, A. K., Sarkodie, S. A., & Taghizadeh-Hesary, F. (2021). Energy
efficiency: The role of technological innovation and knowledge spillover. Technological
Forecasting and Social Change, 167, 120659.
Yang, J. D., Hainaut, P., Gores, G. J., Amadou, A., Plymoth, A., & Roberts, L. R. (2019). A
global view of hepatocellular carcinoma: trends, risk, prevention and management.
Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & hepatology, 16(10), 589-604.