During the "Effective Business Communication" training last week, we learned about the iceburg model of culture. The presentation focused on how we adapt the items above the "water" to be effective in our changing environments, while the factors below remained unaffected. For example, we can change our clothes to be effective but it doesn't necessarily reflect a change in our values.
The factors below the water are often where real cultural "clashes" take place. Effective intercultural communication needs to move beyond the visible by understanding the values and beliefs of each side. In order to truly value diversity, we need to establish mutual respect for each others' "iceburg."
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