Europe or Bust!

Cultural diversity is an important topic in this growing global economy.  Just because a culture is different doesn't necessarily mean it is bad.  The best way to prepare to enter the business world is to be sensitive to cultures.
The Iceberg Model of Culture shows us how cultures are viewed.  The part of the iceberg above water are representative of the visible aspects of cultural diversity, such as dress, food, music, and language.  The part of the iceberg underwater represents the part of diversity that is not visible.  Examples of this are body language, religions, attitudes toward age, and importance of time.  When I think about the Scottish, I think about men who wear kilts and eat strange meat.  The media has portrayed the Irish as redheaded Leprechauns who break out in song.
There are four levels of cultural awareness: My way is the only way, I know their way but my way is better, My way and their way, and Our Way.  In the first stage, people are only aware of their way and have no idea the effect they have on other cultures.  In the second stage, people understand other cultures but still believe their way is the best.  This is also known as Ethnocentrism.  The third stage is when people of different cultures are able to come together and choose the best option to create new solutions and alternatives.  In the last stage, cultures work together to create a culture of shared meanings.

The best way to deal with cultural diversity is to recognize that we don't know, suspend our judgement, be empathetic, become comfortable with ambiguity, and celebrate diversity.  After all, being different is what makes us unique.