How Has Your Cultural Intelligence Evolved?
Journalhow Has Your Cultural Intelligence Evolved Over The Past Number
Journalhow Has Your Cultural Intelligence Evolved Over The Past Number
Journal How has your Cultural Intelligence evolved over the past number of weeks (knowledge, skills, mindfulness)? To what extent did the journey open new windows for you to view all that encompass culture – meaning, values, orientations, communication styles, and norms that you believe differentiate the cultural group that you belong to from those of others? How do your own cultural orientations influence your assumptions, perceptions and/or reactions in intercultural interactions or in viewing other-culture behavior? Make reference to specific experiences you had on this journey while working on the throughout the semester, with your classmates. Journal What have you learned or experienced during the 3 team sessions, activities and assignments? What is one significant learning from the Foundations Program that you could transfer to the International Hotel Management? One significant learning from the Foundations Program you will try to develop during this course? How do you define teamwork within the context of this course? What have you learned about the critical components of Team or Group Process? How does culture or intercultural communication play a role in what you have learned? Your most significant 'take away' from the BAIHM 360 team experience? How will this learning inform your next team experience? APA/ 500 words each/ 2 references each from book
Paper For Above instruction
The evolution of cultural intelligence (CQ) over recent weeks has been a profound journey that has significantly shaped my understanding and approach to intercultural interactions. Initially, my perceptions of culture were limited to observable traits such as language and customs. However, through immersive experiences and reflective practices during this course, I have come to appreciate the deeper dimensions of culture—values, orientations, communication styles, and norms—that fundamentally influence behaviors and interactions. This expanded perspective has opened new windows, allowing me to see cultural differences not as barriers but as opportunities for growth and mutual understanding.
My cultural orientations, deeply rooted in my background, have historically influenced my assumptions and reactions in intercultural situations. For instance, I tend to prioritize individual achievement, influenced by a Western emphasis on personal autonomy, which sometimes led to misunderstandings with collectivist cultures that value harmony and group cohesion. Engaging in varied cross-cultural exchanges with classmates has helped me recognize these biases and develop a more mindfulness-oriented approach, emphasizing empathy and active listening. A specific experience that stood out was a group project with international students, where differing communication styles initially led to frustration. Through dialogue and reflection, I understood that indirect communication was a culturally conditioned norm, ultimately enhancing my intercultural competence.
During the semester, the three team sessions, activities, and assignments collectively enriched my understanding of teamwork in an intercultural context. I learned that effective teams rely on clear communication, mutual respect, and adaptability—components critical in navigating cultural differences. For example, in a collaborative project, acknowledging diverse perspectives and creating an inclusive environment facilitated smoother interactions and innovative solutions. These experiences underscored the importance of cultural awareness in fostering effective teamwork and highlighted how intercultural communication plays a pivotal role in overcoming potential misunderstandings.
A key takeaway from the Foundations Program relevant to International Hotel Management is the importance of cultural sensitivity in delivering exceptional guest experiences. In a global hospitality setting, understanding diverse cultural expectations can enhance service quality and customer satisfaction. I intend to develop greater cultural adaptability during this course, focusing on recognizing and respecting guest preferences rooted in their cultural backgrounds. This skill is vital for creating inclusive environments where all guests feel valued and understood.
Teamwork, in the context of this course, is defined as collaborative effort structured around shared goals, with each member’s cultural perspectives enriching the group’s collective capability. Critical components include effective communication, mutual trust, conflict resolution, and cultural intelligence. I have learned that intercultural communication influences these components significantly—cultural norms shape how feedback is given, how conflicts are managed, and how leadership is exercised. Recognizing these nuances allows for more effective team dynamics, fostering an environment conducive to innovative and culturally sensitive outcomes.
The most significant 'takeaway' from the BAIHM 360 team experience is the realization that diversity of thought, when harnessed correctly, can drive innovative solutions and deepen mutual respect. This experience has reinforced the importance of openness and adaptability in teams. Moving forward, I will approach future team collaborations with a mindset geared toward inclusivity, embracing cultural differences as strengths rather than obstacles. This learning will help me foster more cohesive and productive teams in my professional journey, especially within the international hospitality sector, where cultural competence is a key differentiator.
References
- Craig, R. (2020). Intercultural Competence in the Hospitality Industry. Pearson.
- Thomas, D. C., & Inkson, K. (2021). Cultural Intelligence: Surviving and Thriving in the Global Village. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.