Author: Mijnd Huijser
Price: £14.99
Publisher: Intercultural Press
Pages: 145
ISBN: 1931930287
This is a basic introduction to resolving the issues encountered when working within a multi-cultural team.
Cultural diversity is found in nearly all workplaces, and identifying cultural contradictions can help explain some of the misunderstandings and conflicts encountered when trying to get people to work together. Culture, of course, doesn’t just differ between nations: strong deviations in cultural orientation can be found at organisational and vocational levels as well.
The book offers only a taster of the issues involved when dealing with a variety of communication styles. However, it highlights common cultural differences, helps the reader become aware of their own environment and culturally biased perception, and challenges any assumptions about what is right, just and timely when managing people.
The book introduces the ‘Model of Freedom’ – a model so obvious you wonder why it hadn’t been thought of before.
The chapters also highlight a believable case study. It’s a simple scenario using an everyday situation but illustrates complex cultural issues effectively. It focuses on US, UK, European and Japanese workers, but this is wide enough to give a good insight into the problems involved in attempting to cross the cultural divide.
The book is short and concise but sufficient to give a good understanding of practical issues while offering realistic solutions.
Useful? Three out of five stars
Well-written? Four out of five stars
Practical? Three out of five stars
Inspirational? Four out of five stars
Value for money? Four out of five stars
Overall? Three out of five stars
Reviewed by Alison Norris, HR consultancy manager, mhl Support
