REVIEW
Excerpted from Christie Mosca and George Simon's review of Bridging Cultures™: Preparing to live and work with other cultures, Park Li Group, Ltd., New York
Bridging Cultures™ is a cultural training tool consisting of a computer-based CD ROM and workbook used to prepare individuals to undergo and assist in cross-cultural transitions.
For the novice international voyager, as well as the experienced interculturalist preparing for a new venture abroad, this module provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guideline to preparing yourself for the cross-cultural experience.
"based on two premises of human interaction: First, to get along well and work with others, you must understand them. Second, to understand others, you must understand yourself," Bridging Cultures™ provides a personalized approach as it guides you through a series of self-assessment exercises, culture-general issues and tips for adaptation, and comparison of culture-specific values.
The CD ROM allows individuals to proceed at their own pace, and is complemented by a workbook, that addresses a comprehensive spectrum of critical cross-cultural issues for deeper exploration. The in-depth questionnaires may prove difficult for the novice who has little cross-cultural experience, but format of this workbook could provide an excellent opportunity for trainer-guided group, online coaching or chat discussions and valuable information sharing.
The process is well mapped and provides for different learning tracks. You begin by selecting your particular type of intercultural venture, be it Business Traveler, Expatriate, Mentor, Family member, or Repatriate. A persuasive explanation of why one needs to prepare for an intercultural transition compels you onward. You then follow a series of exercises tailored to your particular needs and circumstances into the discovery of self, cultural values, culture shock, adaptation and repatriation.
The ability to cross reference over 100 countries then allows the reader to address his or her specific circumstances, compare the culture-specific differences, and view actual case studies of cultural conflicts that one may face. These materials are based on Hofstede's research, and on the CD ROM are very informative and easy to use…
A well-motivated individual with sufficient time at hand can get an enormous amount out of this program. It is one of the better processes for acquiring culture general education that we have seen…
Currently licenses to this CD plus Workbook program start at $245 per person, and descend with quantity. Intranet versions require a 10 person minimum. Given the current pricing structure of online courses, we consider this to be good value for money.
Reviewed by Christie Mosca and George Simons at diversophy.com
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