Characteristics of CCST:

• Acceptance of other cultures (knowledge, awareness, and acceptance of

other cultures)

• Acceptance of diversity (the willingness, ability and sensitivity required to

understand people with different backgrounds)

• Cultural differences and similarities (refer to being aware that cultural

differences and similarities between people exist without assigning them a value)

• Learning (skill set acquired)

• Cultural awareness (knowledge of the existence of multiple different cultures with
different attitudes and worldviews)

• Cultural sensitivity (acceptance of those differences and not believing that one's
own culture is superior)

• Cultural competence (those skills acquired to embody cultural sensitivity,

particularly in the workplace)

• Flexibility (CCST cannot be same everywhere and different companies may have
different aims, objectives and requirements, hence, CCST has to be flexible and not
fixed/rigid, to fit the company’s requirement.)

• Overcome ethnocentrism (Cultural awareness and sensitivity helps to overcome

one's personal ethnocentrism, mainly by learning about other cultures and how
various modes and expectations may differ from one's own in various areas, from
ethical, religious and social attitudes to body language and other nonverbal
communication.)

• Communication (focus is mostly on verbal and non-verbal communication)

 Implementation steps

The steps of implementing cross-cultural training programs, as follows:

 Step 1: Define the organizational context and training objectives

Establish the relationship of cultural competence to the organizational,
legal and people management contexts.
Define the training needs and objectives.
Ensure strong organizational support for the training program.

 Step 2: Understand cultural competence and cross-cultural training

Before embarking on a cross-cultural training program, be clear on the
nature of cultural competence, the range of cross-cultural training
approaches and the criteria for an effective cross-cultural training
trainer.

 Step 3: Promote the value of cross-cultural training to the organization

Demonstrate the value of cross-cultural training to all stakeholders with
the statistical evidence and qualitative comments.

 Step 4: Design and conduct cross-cultural training effectively

Study the range of options for cross-cultural training and resources that
will ensure the training objectives are met.

Select the appropriate trainers and work closely with them.

Organize and conduct the program for maximum effectiveness.

 Step 5: Evaluate and follow-up the cross-cultural training program

Design and carry out a rigorous evaluation process.
Identify and implement strategies to ensure that learning is applied to
performance and enhancing the organization’s cultural competence.
 Desired results

The main objective of cross-cultural training is to bring a new level of cultural

awareness and appreciation into the workplace. Cross-cultural training
attempts to achieve clearer lines of communication and mutual trust, respect,
and understanding by raising employee awareness.
Cross-cultural training may also occur at the management level. Management-
level cross-cultural training involves equipping members of the management
staff with the knowledge and skills required to supervise a multicultural staff.
Individuals or corporate teams that visit foreign countries and/or work
frequently with overseas clients or colleagues are the focus of cross-cultural
training programs.
Cross-cultural training programs aim at better equipping employees and team
members with the skills that will allow them to build more successful business
relationships with their international clients and/or colleagues.
Just a few of the topics covered in cross-cultural training include:

 Values
 Morals
 Ethics
 Business practices
 Etiquette
 Protocol
 Negotiation styles

Cross-cultural training seeks to develop cultural awareness where an

established cultural framework does not exist, with the ideal outcome resulting
in better interpersonal understanding, greater communication, and a more
productive business environment.
Challenges and Limitations