Christina Röttgers: BUILDING CULTURES? THAT'S ABOUT YOU - How to acquire intercultural competence

1. Christina Röttgers,
BRIDGING CULTURES?
THAT’S ABOUT YOU!
How to acquire
intercultural competence
November 7 2014

2. 2
In search of
... intercultural encounters

3. 3
Strong organizations
are carried by
all its members

4. 4
Adjustment when moving abroad
Pre-departure
Feeling the
differences
Integrating a new style
on a certain level
time
“Culture Shock”
Changing behavior
Choosing
Leaving
Settling

5. 5

6. 6
Building of intercultural competence
in sync with cultural adjustment
IAC =
Intercultural
Assessment
Center Intercultural Briefing
Pre-Departure
with team
Time
Individual
Intercultural
Preparation for
the whole family
6-3 Weeks before
departure
Individual Briefing after 6-
12 months,
repeated measurement of
intercultural competence
Preparation for
return and
handover to
successor,
Define structures
for continuation of
contacts and
relationships
Intercultural Mentoring / Coaching
during the stay, training on the job

7. 7

8. 8
Obrigada!
christina@itim.org
www.itim.org

9. 9
Support for personal growth leads to
four competencies for
intercultural encounters
Sensitive
Open minded
Resourceful
Humans
Communicate in
many different ways
Build Commitment
- thanks to their authentic
genuine strength
Know who they are and what their values are
– therefore know how to
manage uncertain situations

10. 10
Reasons for Unsuccessful Assignments
Spouse/Family’s inability to adjust to
cultural / physical environment
Expatriate’s Inability to adjust to cultural/
physical environment
Other Family-related problems
Lacks skills necessary to conduct
business in host country culture
Personality or emotional maturity
Inability to integrate job expertise with
larger responsibilities of assignment
Inability to adapt to changing business
priorities or organizational realignment
Lack of Technical Competence
Source: ERC International Survey
(162 Companies)