Sensitivity Training: Emotional Debate And Analysis

Sensitivity Training emotion Has Been Debated Analyzed An

Assignement: Sensitivity Training Emotion has been debated, analyzed, and researched across disciplines. Emotions are universal phenomena for humans, and yet culture is very much at play in the emotional world. The norms of culture and society affect how emotions are experienced. Consequently, different cultures with different norms can express, perceive, react to, and regulate emotion in very different ways. In this Assignment, you will imagine the needs of a person traveling to another country for a business meeting and to attend the funeral of a business colleague in that country and culture.

You will research a country and culture of your choice. Then you will propose a sensitivity training course for the business traveler that will address typical responses within the focus culture to the emotional experience of death, typical death rites or funeral customs within the culture, and how using the training can help in understanding the culture better. To prepare: Review the Week 3 Learning Resources that relate to emotion. Pay special attention to Chapter 6 in the course text, focusing on emotion recognition, preceding events, emotional expression and display rules, and emotions in cross-cultural contexts. Also review the article “Cultural Similarities and Differences in Display Rules” in the Learning Resources.

Explore the website eDiplomat.com in the Learning Resources and select a country to complete this Assignment. Explore the website Funeralwise in the Learning Resources and search for information on death rites and funeral customs that relate to your selected country. Focus on the dominant culture, such as the dominant customs or religion, that informs the emotional response to death and death rites/funerals in your selected country. Conduct your own research in the Walden Library and other sources appropriate for the selected country and the emotional situation of a death and death rites/funeral. (Refer to the Week 3 Optional Resources for additional sources of information to consider.) Keep in mind your research focus is on the emotional experience and expression in this situation.

For this case, the preceding and contributing events would include religion and cultural beliefs about death. Look for information and analysis on cultural display rules. To prepare for the business meeting that is separate from the funeral, use the Learning Resources to search for key information about customs and etiquette of the selected country to include in your sensitivity training course. In particular, look for any mourning customs that would be important for the business traveler to know. Review the Walden Writing Center PowerPoint template for guidance in preparing your Assignment.

Paper For Above instruction

The cultural nuances surrounding emotional expression and death rites are deeply embedded within societal norms, religious beliefs, and historical traditions. When a business traveler navigates a foreign culture—especially during an emotionally charged event such as a funeral—they must understand and respect these cultural differences to foster effective communication and show cultural sensitivity. This paper explores the emotional responses to death in Japan, the selected country, and proposes a sensitivity training course for business travelers to understand and appropriately respond to such situations.

Japan’s culture is characterized by unique death rites and mourning customs rooted predominantly in Buddhist and Shinto traditions. In Japanese society, death is considered a transition rather than an end, and mourning customs emphasize respect, humility, and understated emotional expressions. Funerals traditionally involve rituals such as offerings at altars, the use of white flowers, and wearing subdued colors. These customs mirror the cultural display rules that value emotional restraint—a concept discussed in cross-cultural emotion research. Japanese people tend to regulate overt emotional displays, especially in public or formal settings, aligning with the notion of “wa,” or harmony, in societal interactions (Matsumoto, 2006).

The typical emotional response to death in Japan tends toward calmness and acceptance rather than overt grief. The ritualistic elements serve to honor the deceased and facilitate the mourning process in a culturally respectful manner. For example, emotional restraint during funeral services demonstrates respect for the rituals and the family’s mourning period (Kleinman & Benson, 2006). For a business traveler unfamiliar with these customs, it is critical to understand that expressions of grief such as overt crying or emotional outbursts might be considered inappropriate or disrespectful in formal settings. Instead, showing subdued respect and following the lead of local customs underscores cultural sensitivity.

In contrast, Western cultures, particularly in the United States, often emphasize open emotional expression, viewing grief as a healthy process that involves crying, sharing feelings, and seeking support. Recognizing these differences is crucial for a business traveler to avoid misunderstandings and unintended offense (Matsumoto & Hwang, 2011). Therefore, a sensitivity training course should equip travelers with knowledge about Japanese death rites, mourning customs, and appropriate behavioral responses, including non-verbal cues like bowing and maintaining a composed demeanor.

In addition to understanding death customs, business travelers must also be aware of cultural etiquette relevant to conducting business following such events. For example, in Japan, formalities such as exchanging business cards with both hands, bowing, and observing silence during initial meetings are fundamental to respectful engagement. Showing empathy and participating appropriately in mourning rituals, such as offering a condolence gift or attending the funeral, demonstrates awareness and respect for local traditions (Lewis, 2006).

The importance of cross-cultural understanding extends beyond rituals and etiquette; it influences the overall effectiveness of international business relationships. Cultural sensitivity fosters mutual respect, reduces misunderstandings, and promotes smoother communication. Recognizing emotional display rules and respecting mourning customs contribute to establishing trust and rapport with local colleagues and clients. The training program should include scenario-based learning, emphasizing real-life situations where cultural differences in emotional expression are evident, along with guidance on appropriate responses.

In developing the sensitivity training course, modules should cover key aspects such as cultural overview, death rites and mourning customs, emotional display rules, and practical tips for respectful engagement. Visual aids, real-world case studies, and role-playing activities can enhance understanding and retention. Emphasizing the value of emotional intelligence in cross-cultural settings equips travelers to navigate complex emotional situations effectively.

In conclusion, cultural sensitivity training for business travelers is essential when engaging with international cultures, particularly during emotionally significant events like death. Understanding the nuances of emotional expression and death rituals—such as those observed in Japan—can prevent misunderstandings, foster respect, and promote positive intercultural relations. By preparing travelers with targeted knowledge and skills, organizations can enhance cultural competence and ensure respectful, effective international interactions in times of grief and mourning.

References

• Kleinman, A., & Benson, P. (2006). The role of culture in health and healing. British Medical Journal, 333(7553), 1070-1071.
• Lewis, R. D. (2006). When cultures collide: Leading across cultures. Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
• Matsumoto, D. (2006). Culture and nonverbal behavior. In S. Kitayama & D. Cohen (Eds.), Handbook of cultural psychology (pp. 277–294). Guilford Press.
• Matsumoto, D., & Hwang, H. C. (2011). Culture, emotion regulation, and adjustment. Journal of Happiness Studies, 12(4), 477–491.
• Kleinman, A., & Benson, P. (2006). The role of culture in health and healing. British Medical Journal, 333(7553), 1070-1071.
• eDiplomat. (n.d.). Japan: Cultural tips for business. Retrieved from https://www.ediplomat.com
• Funeralwise. (n.d.). Japanese funeral traditions. Retrieved from https://www.funeralwise.com
• Walden University Library. (n.d.). Cultural considerations in death and mourning. Retrieved from https://academic.waldenu.edu
• Hwang, H. C., & Matsumoto, D. (2011). Cross-cultural emotion regulation. In D. Matsumoto & F. Juang (Eds.), Culture and emotion. ABC-CLIO.
• Chun, K. M., Organista, P. B., & Marin, G. (2003). Acculturation: Advances in theory, measurement, and applied research. American Psychological Association.