EL MUNDO hOy. GESTIÓN DE LA DIVERSIDAD. UN IMPERATIVO ...

INTERNAcionaLIZACIÓN Y CAPITAL HUMANO
4.4. Intercultural training
Using grounded and constructivist theory, intercultural training is based
on the premise that «as one’s experience of cultural difference becomes
more complex and sophisticated, one’s potential competence in intercultural
relations increases» (Hammer et al., 2003). From a constructivist perspective,
mere exposure to difference is not enough, rather it is how one
perceives and conceptualizes those events that determine developmental
cultural competence. Constructivism implies that we are active participants
in creating our own knowing and meaning. Learning is an active
process and knowledge is socially constructed, primarily from experience
(Murphy, 1997). Social Constructivism takes this concept further in that
social constructs such as race, gender and sexuality are considered more
products of social influence than of biology or individual psychology.
4.4.1. Assignments (two days cultural immersion)
Thomas (1990) defines intercultural training as an instrument composed
of all means that offer the possibility of intercultural learning and
contribute to the achievement of intercultural competence.
Classroom strategies included self exploration and community building
activities such as the utilization of the BARNGA game (Thiagarajan,
2000). Activities aimed at understanding and minimizing the
clashes among cultures and through decategorization strategies included
a cultural activity which is called «culture assimilator».
Other activities aimed at facilitating understanding of social construction
perspective (i.e.) soft skills, business etiquette, formal communication,
etc.
Current news, media, telephoning meeting simulation, on-line activities
and movies were also utilized as part of intercultural training. In
addition, guided reflections through the facilitation of classroom discussion
were a regular and ongoing course component.
5. Results
5.1. Overview
An analysis of variances with repeated measures was conducted for
each of the NEO Five Factor Inventory (FFI) dimensions in the form
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