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PMAL101: Cross-Cultural
Communication
Unit 4: Working in Cross-cultural Settings

a) Apply the key terms or concepts from Chapter 8 to describe Mr. Griffith’s
experience from the above link.
Response:

Applying Key Terms and Concepts to Describe Mr. Griffith's Experience: a. Cultural Shock: Mr.
Griffith's experience in Mexico City can be described as a classic case of culture shock. He came
from a Caribbean-English background and was suddenly thrust into a Latin American environment,
which was drastically different from what he was accustomed to. This abrupt transition caused him
significant personal and professional challenges. b. Cross-Cultural Encounter: Mr. Griffith's
situation is a clear example of a cross-cultural encounter. He had to work with colleagues from
diverse nationalities, including Cubans, Chileans, Panamanians, Uruguayans, Japanese, Britons, and
Mexicans. Each of these nationalities brought their own cultural values and working styles, which
clashed with Mr. Griffith's expectations and preferences. c. Cultural Adaptation: Mr. Griffith
struggled to adapt to the Mexican way of life and working style. This was evident in his reluctance to
learn Spanish, his resistance to assimilating into the local culture, and his ethnocentric attitude. His
inability to adapt hindered his ability to work effectively in the new environment.

b) What strategies should Mr. Griffith adopt to improve the effectiveness and his
experience of working with his international co-workers?
Response:

Strategies for Mr. Griffith to Improve Effectiveness and Experience: a. Learn the Local Language:
Mr. Griffith should prioritise learning Spanish. Language is a critical tool for effective
communication and cultural integration. By becoming proficient in Spanish, he can engage in
meaningful conversations, understand cultural nuances, and build stronger relationships with
colleagues. b. Cultural Sensitivity Training: Undertaking cultural sensitivity training can help Mr.
Griffith better understand and appreciate Mexican culture. This training can help him recognize and
adapt to cultural differences, reducing the likelihood of ethnocentrism and cultural insensitivity. c.
Build Relationships: Mr. Griffith should make a conscious effort to build social and professional
relationships with his colleagues. Trust and rapport are essential in multicultural teams, and
investing time in getting to know his co-workers can improve collaboration and cooperation. d.
Adapt to Local Working Styles: While maintaining organisational standards is important, Mr.
Griffith should also be flexible and open to adapting to the local working styles and processes. This
can include embracing the Latin American concept of time and understanding the bureaucratic
administration common in the region. In summary, Mr. Griffith's experience in Mexico City
highlights the importance of cultural adaptation, effective communication, and building
relationships in a multicultural work environment. By implementing these strategies, he can improve
his effectiveness and overall experience of working with international colleagues.

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