The Importance of Intercultural Training Programs
An efficient work environment requires good relationships between colleagues. This is why it is essential for employees to accept and respect each other’s differences and be able to communicate no matter who they are and where they come from. Intercultural training courses and programs have become tools that many companies and institutions use to implement a more understanding and inclusive behavior towards different ethnic groups. Inclusivity has become a key strategy for many organizations. It has been detrimental to the overall atmosphere and collegiality of the organizations and businesses that added culture-specific training programs to their policies. While this is a somewhat controversial topic, the beneficial effects of such programs have been undeniable. According to scientists, a combination of specific and general culture training courses leads to intercultural learning (Bhawuk, 2017). Moreover, a company concerned with the employees’ sense of belonging and being included in the dialogue tends to have better internal relationships between colleagues.
Risks/Benefits of Culture-Specific Programs
There are many difficulties when it comes to intercultural training programs. It is a sensitive subject for many individuals, which is why there is a valid argument that such training programs can be viewed as offensive or even racist. This is why it is vital to approach this topic with dignity and respect towards people of different ethnic backgrounds. Since the crucial objective is being inclusive and understanding toward every individual, the main idea of intercultural programs has to be based on respect and consideration. Rather than portraying a group of people based on stereotypes and clichés, truly successful programs teach about certain cultural differences, specifics, and individual characteristics. In case people tend to feel like the training is misleading and generalizing, this means that the objectives have not been met. Moreover, the perpetrator did not intend to create an inclusive environment but make an even bigger gap between people of different ethnic backgrounds.
Every employee wants to feel seen, heard, and included in the team. Researchers point out that psychoeducational workshops that encourage communication and cultural understanding have a fantastic benefit for companies (Wang et al., 2019). While it runs the risk of perpetuating stereotypes and generalizing people based on specific characteristics, the benefits of such programs outweigh the possible negative implications. Intercultural training helps improve the relationship between colleagues, positively impacts individuals who feel left out, and provides helpful tools that will enhance communication. Any company that strives for a workplace where people with different backgrounds and cultural differences have a balanced work relationship can implement culture-specific programs to establish inclusivity.
Certain cultural specifics should be discussed in a respectful manner so that there are no stereotypes portrayed during such workshops. This can enable the employees to treat each other equally, have respect and understanding towards each other, and learn how to communicate with their colleagues. Being ignorant of the differences between specific individuals can lead to an unhealthy work environment, lack of communication, and inefficient collegial relationships. While there are risks when it comes to having conversations about such sensitive subjects as cultural differences and ethnic backgrounds, it is essential to acknowledge these aspects. “Culture-specific” training is a vital tool that helps elevate a sense of open-mindedness, understanding, and cultural awareness towards individuals who may meet difficulties and obstacles due to their background, nationality, or ethnicity.
References
Bhawuk DP. Culture‐specific and culture‐general training. The International Encyclopedia of Intercultural Communication. 2017:1-8. doi:10.1002/9781118783665.ieicc0181
Wang C, Shao X, Do KA, Lu HK, O’Neal CR, Zhang Y. Using participatory culture-specific consultation with Asian American communities: Identifying challenges and solutions for Asian American immigrant families. Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation. 2019;31(1):17-38. doi:10.1080/10474412.2019.1614453