International-mindedness and the world of work
Globalization
Globalization means that no one can afford to ignore what goes on outside their own neighborhood. International exchanges are part of everyday life. Intercultural understanding is essential.
In this section we explore why intercultural understanding is an important aspect of what it means to be internationally-minded. We study a piece of research carried out amongst 367 large private, public, and NGO/charity sector employers in nine countries which provides evidence of the skills which employers are increasingly looking for across the globe. The final activity asks you to 'market' the concept of international-mindedness to your different stakeholder groups.
(Image source: Woman Globalisation Map - Free photo on Pixabay)
Activity 1: Work Cultures
Explore the work cultures of China and Britain by studying these two info graphics.
Access the infographic on China here.
Access the infographic on Britain here.
- What are the key differences?
- To what extent do you think they can be accurate - bearing in mind the danger of stereotyping a national culture, the impact of globalization (and homogenization), and the fact that people often belong to a number of cultures?
Employers say that they are looking for employees who can navigate a workplace that transcends national and cultural borders. In 2013 the British Council published Culture at work: the value of intercultural skills in the workplace. It contains the results of a survey designed to better understand how intercultural skills are considered, assessed, and developed in the modern workplace. The survey was conducted with 367 large private, public, and NGO/charity sector employers in nine countries: Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Jordan, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Activity 2: The top intercultural skills employers want
Access the British Council report Culture at work: the value of intercultural skills in the workplace here.
- In table groups discuss the implications for schools and list 5 things you would consider changing in your schools as a result. Share with other groups.
Activity 3: How to use international-mindedness in business
- What are the key messages in the following two videos?
Watch this Harvard video on negotiating across cultures.
In the following video Andy Molinsky, author of Global Dexterity, explains why it is important to customize your behaviour in a new cultural setting.
Activity 4: An elevator pitch for international-mindedness
Use the material in this section to prepare an Elevator Pitch for use with key stakeholder groups in your school on the value of developing international-mindedness in students.
- What are your key messages?
Tags: International mindedness, British Council, Intercultural Understanding