Brian Carlos '24 RGLP Reflection: Globalism and Intercultural Communication

The most challenging aspect of globalism to collaboration is communication across different cultures. In RGLP, I learned that what is assumed to be proper and polite in one culture can be very different than how another culture assumes to be proper and polite. In an increasing integrated world, more than ever, this challenge is being presented around the world.

For example, in one RGLP session, we had to model a negotiation between two companies but through the customs of a different culture. I found that negotiations can be difficult if you do not know the customs of the other people you are with. You may be used to a hierarchical business structure, or the complete opposite. These cultural differences are in no way inherently problematic but when people do not try to understand the other side, then issues arise.

This challenge to collaboration that comes with globalism can easily be avoided. I learned in RGLP that communicating and collaborating across cultures begins with your mindset. If someone from another culture makes a remark that you find offensive or rude, it is best to question why you think so and from what assumptions are you basing that reaction. More than anything, it is best to be hyperaware of your cultural assumptions and give the benefit of the doubt to others.

In addition, understanding when you or someone else should yield to the other's cultural customs can be grey at times. A good rule is where you are determines how you should act. For example, if you are in China negotiating a business deal then you should yield and respect the Chinese way of conducting negotiations and not act as if you are negotiating in the United States because a misunderstanding may arise. On the other hand, if a Chinese company is negotiating a deal in the United States, then the burden of adapting falls on them.

However, just because the burden of adapting to another culture may fall on another person does not mean you can disregard their culture. Instead, as stated before, you should still be aware of the other's culture to avoid any misapprehensions.

Overall, communicating across different cultures is one of the biggest challenges globalism presents; yet, we can easily overcome this challenge by being open-minded and actively trying to check our cultural assumptions, while actively learning about other cultures.