Monday, November 25, 2013

problem solving and cognitive dissonance




Sorry for the late post I’ve been doing lots of research for my final paper (as I’m sure we all have) I picked the problem solving info-graphic. I have to say I was very confused by some of the infographics. So I will be trying to figure out the problem solving graphics as I explain a cultural difference.

As Chametria said, some cultures are more direct then others, and some are more individualistic. To add to Chametria’s excellent observations, I will add that as this graphic shows, that it might well be a fundamental attribution error to assume that it is some ones personality or behavior rather than giving some blame to cultural influences particularly when solving a problem.

Another thing Arasaratnam  (2011) points out selective exposure, selective attention and selective interpretation as a part of combatting cognitive dissonance, as part of communication. Cognitive dissonance is the idea that we desire balance in our thoughts and where there is inconsistency or conflict, or a problem, we do what we can to get back to balance or baseline (“normal”). Selective exposure is where as Arasaratnam (2011) writes that we try to gather the data that will support our perspectives, for example subscribing to only the liberal or only the conservative media, with out seeking a balanced news medium.  These types of behaviors reinforce and can protect us while further immerging ourselves our own biases. Any one approach to problem solving is a type of selective exposure.

Selective attention is when we are presented with information that counters our norms, or our biases, we tend to only give attention to things that confirm our beleifs, and we “tune out any information that might cause dissonance.” (Arasarantham, 2011) For example not accepting alternative solutions to solving the problem while ignoring other perspectives on the problem itself.

Selective interpretation
Interpreting ambiguous information in a way that serves our biases is called selective interpretation. For example if there is a fact or condition in the problem that needs to be solved, that could alter the approach to problem solving.

All in all, we as westerners need to not sweat the small problems so much, as we tend to exaggerate our problems and we need to see the wisdom in not addressing every problem immediately and head on, directly.
I wish there was some middle way that was taught by some wise man thousands of years ago that could show us the way.


Thanks for a great class y’all!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

top 10 (all #1) concepts for cultural exchange

Drew Durham’s top ten intercultural concepts for cultural integration and immersion.
  
  1. Awareness and open mindedness!

Open your mind! educate yourself on the cultures of people you interact with.

  1. Open your heart!

 Avoid using or believing in stereotypes of all kinds, and welcome all opportunities to interact with any culture.

  1. Openness!


Be open to new experiences and communications with people who are unfamiliar with and maybe even talk to people you might be hesitant or uncomfortable to interact with.

  1. Listen and be sensitive!

Ask active questions when listening, be aware of non-verbal communication cues, cultural communication norms and physical gestures.

  1. Carefully Respond!
   React to communication styles effectively, talk and listen in rations that respect the commination styles of the culture you are interacting with! Like proximity! Understand context of the communication and the context of what is being discussed.

  1. Celebrate commonalities!

Find commonalities with all people you meet, there is common ground between any two people, our common humanity and inter dependence if nothing else.

  1. Culture shock!
Cultures can make an instant impact on you. Small Culture shock or at least some shockwaves are possible even after just a few interactions with a different culture. I have been moved greatly by talking to migrant farm workers after just two hours my perspective shifted.

  1. Exchange

Do what is needed to ensure balance and respect between people in each intercultural communication!


  1. Progress not perfection
Adapt new knowledge and implement new strategies to increase effectiveness of communication and getting your messages across the cultural divide.

10. Together we can build cultural bridges!

Work together with different organizations in your chose field to increase effectiveness and diversity of communication in intercultural communications!