Cross-Cultural Training

Lesson 8: Adapting to Your New Culture

Answers to Lesson 8 Exercises

Possible Solutions (as given by The Peace Corps):

1) Can you make your points outside of meetings and still be effective? Can you get someone who is higher up to help you? Can you make your points in the meetings in a way that doesn't outshine him?

2) Is there a way to approve the drawings and get them fixed later? Can you approach the division head for a confidential chat? Can you work with the cousin and make sure the drawings arrive at your desk in a form that is approvable? Can someone else work with the man? The key issue here is to do this in a way that saves face.

3) Is this really the case? Is this how it works in this culture? Remember, you are judging events according to what may be done in a culture where people are seen as being more or less equal. If what is said is true, not listening to the advice could have more harmful consequences than doing what you deem to be right. You could ask another native to get their take on the situation.

4) This is too bad, but if these views are really representative of the culture, you may have to make the necessary adjustments or live with the consequences.

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