"WHAT ARE 'GLOBAL COMPETENCIES'?"
“The broad competencies – the skills, knowledge and attitudes – and the more specific behavioural traits possessed by an interculturally effective person.” (from A Profile of the Interculturally Effective Person, p.5)
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Adaptation Skills
- cope with culture shock and challenges of a new culture
- beyond coping, enjoy enriching experiences in the host culture
- without abandoning core principles, behave somewhat differently in the host culture than at home in order to gain more acceptance in the new culture
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An attitude of modesty and respect
- show respect in attitude and behaviour towards the local culture
- avoid drawing attention to themselves
- demonstrate self-confidence to take initiative and promote change where called for
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An understanding of the concept of culture
- aware of how culture affects all people and societies
- understand how the influence of one’s own cultural conditioning and how those values may cause problems in the host culture
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Knowledge of the host country and culture
- show desire to learn about the host culture
- possess knowledge of the history, geography, social mores, customs and socio-economic conditions, etc., of the host country
- demonstrate knowledge of political processes of the country and understanding of organizational and management practices
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Relationship Building
- socialize harmoniously with host nationals
- help people of diverse cultures work together productively
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Self-knowledge
- understand one’s own culture and how it has shaped thinking, feeling and reacting to people and events
- know personal strengths and weaknesses about adjusting to a new culture overseas
- recognize and manage personal reactions to ambiguity
- understand personal work styles
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Intercultural Communication
- communicate thoughts, opinions and expectations in an understandable yet culturally sensitive way
- participate in the local culture and language without fear of making mistakes
- establish shared meanings with local people so both foreigners and the local people understand what is said in the same way
- possess sufficient knowledge of the local language to show interest towards the local people
- develop empathy, not just an intellectual understanding, of how the local people view the world
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Organizational Skills
- strive for balance between the need to adapt behaviour to local norms (“when in Rome…) and the need to maintain one’s own cultural identity and values (avoiding “going native…”)
- develop professional networks locally, nationally, and internationally
- build consensus to reconcile the perspectives of differing cultures to mutually share cultures in achieving a goal
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Personal and Professional Commitment
- desire to contribute to the local community
- awareness of the purpose, motivations, and expectations of being overseas
*adapted from A Profile of the Interculturally Effective Person, The Centre for Intercultural Learning, Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade