The purpose of this report is to analyse the underlying differences of perception exhibited by Martin and Erik in an organisational context. Both Martin and Erik seem to have a cultural perception of their host countries and this perception impedes their ability to work with the locals. The report is based on the small cultural and large cultural approaches that are pertinent to the study of multicultural differences. This report will include a research of national cultures of the participants and apply conceptual framework linked to intercultural awareness such as the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS). Finally, a conclusion summarising the case will be given.
2.0 Analysis of Case Study
2.1 Analysis …show more content…
The small culture approach argues that organisational activities and practices are not necessarily subordinates of the larger culture. This is because organisations culture can emerge from values and believes created within that culture. Hence, the small culture paradigm applies the heuristic model where individuals think things through by elimination process and discover some truths about a situation or people (Schutkowski, 2006). This is the typical research approach that would be applied when studying different ethnic cultures. On the contrary, the large culture approach would require someone to know that ethnic groups have distinct cultures and searching for the details. Heuristic thinking can be employed by individuals who want to understand different cultures and not rely on generalized perceptions. The main disadvantage of small culture paradigm is that it assumes all social group cultures are distinct. This may be untrue because some social group cultures apply the general/stereotypic culture for identity or for reference purposes (Schneider, …show more content…
This model can be used to explain the intercultural competence or lack of of the participants. Martin and Jimmy lack intercultural competence except for Erick who reflects on his actions and Client X who is tries to behave as Martin in their business dealings.
Both Erick and Client X demonstrate development of intercultural sensitivity. When Eric observes the ‘proprieties’ when interacting with Jimmy due to his old age, or when he expresses himself using the ‘backdoor’ he shows his cultural sensitivity. When Client X chooses to provide important information to Martin through his distributors he displays culturally sensitivity because he is trying to behave as Martin does when he uses his local employees to conduct business. There is lack of cultural sensitivity by Martin when he refers to Asians as indirect and when he assumes that the only reason as to why Client X is avoiding him is because he does not know English. Jimmy on the other hand may be oblivious to Erick’s culture. This is the case because he does consider that he might have a different management style from