It is important when attempting to train or teach within a new culture to not only understand that culture, but know what is expected of you when educating in the new culture. There are several distinct different types of cultures that are used for classification they are egalitarianism versus hierarchy, individualism versus collectivism, achievement versus relationship, and loose versus tight structure. They are all different cultures that have different expectations of an educator and/or trainer. For successful teaching or training an individual must first identify and then study any new culture they may enter into. A company from Australia asked an expert from Japan to give an efficiency speech to their production department. A winery in California asked a Professor from Italy to give a seminar on winery problem solving. A consultant from Seattle is asked to conduct management training in Mexico. Is there any considerations these people might need to make before they begin training or educating within a new culture?.
Even if they are new to these different cultures, each to those people probably recognizes the need to make adjustments for foreign audiences. How can they know which aspects of their content and training approach should be modified for the places they are going? What may be key in their attempts at cross-cultural training?.
Culture may be defined as shared beliefs, values, and behaviors that are passed down from one generation to another ("Cross-Cultural Awareness", 2001). These are usually associated with groups of people who are tied together in a certain geographical area. Dr. Barrinder Singh, an expert on Middle Eastern culture stated, "Culture and experience shape who we are as people (personal communication, September 13, 2003)." Culture also affects how we interact with others. It also affects our expectations and how we react in certain training situations or events.
