Introduction
The last semester as a student at Coventry University marked a transformation of intercultural communication in my academic life. A particular instance that I intend to reflect on regards my contribution to a collaborative effort where effective Communication within a diverse cultural setting was necessary. The reflective essay for this intercultural experience shall be structured through applying the Gibbs reflective model.
Description
There is one intercultural communication experience that remains very notable, which occurred in a group project for my international business course. This involved analyzing a case study of a global business and documenting the results in a detailed report. Initially, our group, which had members from different cultures, could not appreciate one another’s communication styles, work habits, or expectations. The group’s composition was diverse, with people from countries like Asia, Europe, and Africa presenting distinct viewpoints. According to the Tuckman model of team development, these differences are bound to happen, especially during the second stage of team development, the storming stage (Jones, 2020). The reason is that during the first stage of development, team members start by familiarizing themselves with each other by sharing their personal expectations, weaknesses, and strengths and setting preliminary expectations and boundaries. However, during the storming stage, which is the second stage, these expectations and boundaries get challenged, creating conflict in the group due to diverse opinions among each other (Jones, 2020). For example, some team members adhered to time punctuality while others did not see it as a big deal, which led to conflict due to the different perspectives. However, the conflict ended amicably through our leader, who was good at solving conflicts by applying methods such as compromising, advocating, and collaborating (Green & Johnston, 2019).
Feelings
Initially, I was a curious combination of fear and anxiety. The group was rich with diversity, which offered a refreshing chance to learn about other cultural ideas. However, there was always uncertainty about where there would be a breakdown in Communication. Zajac et al. (2021) state that it is key for team members to learn about each other’s strengths and weaknesses to avoid misunderstanding and communication. Positive feelings appeared towards the end as the group surpassed its primary challenges of creating a cooperative atmosphere built on respect. According to Richard Boyatzis (2023), when the group is in its last stages of development, individuals have increased levels of emotional intelligence, observing cultural sensitivity, embracing diverse ideas, and understanding each individual’s strengths and weaknesses, hence achieving an efficient team collaboration among members.
Evaluation
From the onset, I realized that our project at Coventry University had intercultural communication issues, which opened my eyes to the multidimensional nature of Communication between different cultures. I discovered intricate differences that cut across Communication, leadership, and time notions. Such differences highlighted the cultural nuances influencing effective Communication (Ladha et al., 2018). Each time our group formed a meeting between members from British and Chinese cultures, the diversity of culture was revealed in different forms, for example, the assertive directness exhibited by some members. This taught me that one has to learn cultural differences not only through linguistic competence. I realized that intercultural Communication is not just about language but also about developing an empathic understanding of other cultures, how their languages work, and their modes of speaking and interacting. Such realization has proved vital to me as I work towards understanding the diverse Communication within the global society.
Analysis
In relation to intercultural Communication within my group, I realized that my communication skills developed positively. Through collaborating, we have consciously dealt with the challenges and complications in our communication styles that stem from varied cultural backgrounds. We achieved this through open communication and discussions. As a result, we were able to navigate through the labyrinth of cultural divisions and diversities. Despite engaging in such discussions, I noticed a significant change in my communication style. While trying to be very transparent, I seamlessly adapted to different perspectives across cultural boundaries and how to view issues and situations from different perspectives. This was not only limited to speaking but also my understanding of nonverbal Communication, which is very important for some cultures. Therefore, I intentionally altered my communication pattern by stressing using non-verbal cues to close the gaps and improve mutual understanding. This awareness led me to a step towards becoming a better and more sensitive cultural communicator in diverse settings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, participating in an international group project in a foreign country with a foreign language for Communication, as I experienced during my studies at Coventry University, remains the most vivid experience I have taken away from it. It was a pragmatic insight into cultural sensitivity and individual and team development. The feeling resulting from a successful partnership demonstrated the importance of intercultural communicative competence, including professionalism, in an academic setting. I intend to apply the insights I acquired from this experience in pursuit of life in my profession and social settings.
Action plan
The awareness that differences exist in cultural landscapes is a wake-up call for me to derive an action plan that will have a long-lasting impact on my mastery of cultural Communication. I intend to participate in various multicultural events and attend seminars on intercultural communication theories and practices. Maxim & Chasovchi (2021) emphasize that promoting cultural diversity enhances a culture of mutual respect and understanding of the cultural landscapes, making it easy to interactions and communicate with people of different countries and cultures. Additionally, I shall participate in co-cultural projects such as school or club programs. Participating in these initiatives will help me sharpen my capacity to be sensitive to cultural differences and to adapt. Furthermore, consistent conversations with colleagues of different ethnicities will be a fruitful platform for continuous learning and sharing cultures. This collaborative exercise and presentation will strengthen my intercultural communications as I prepare for an international and academic life. As a result, I can interact with people regardless of cultural differences and form meaningful and valuable relationships.
References
Boyatzis, R. E. (2023). Leadership development from a complexity perspective. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 60(4), 298–313. https://doi.org/10.1037/1065-9293.60.4.298
Green, J., & Johnston, S. (2019). A Practical Approach to Conflict Management for Program Directors. Home Page. https://doi.org/10.4300%2FJGME-D-14-00175.1
Jones, Dr. A. (2020, February 21). The Tuckman’s model implementation, effect, and Analysis & the new development of the Jones LSI model on a small group. SSRN. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3525281
Ladha, T., Zubairi, M., Hunter, A., & Audcent, T. (2018). Cross-cultural Communication: Tools for working with families and children. Home Page. https://doi.org/10.1093%2Fpch%2Fpxx126
Maxim, C., & Chasovchi, C. (2021). Cultural landscape changes in the built environment at World Heritage Sites: Lessons from Bukovina, Romania. Redirecting. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2021.100583
Zajac, S., Woods, A., Tannenbaum, S., Salas, E., & Holladay, C. L. (2021). Overcoming challenges to teamwork in Healthcare: A Team Effectiveness Framework and evidence-based guidance. Frontiers in Communication, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomm.2021.606445
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