BESIG:How much ‘culture’ does intercultural competence development actually need?

This practical workshop is motivated by the following considerations. Conventional approaches to intercultural competence development in the form of training often focus on developing awareness, knowledge and understanding of differences between cultures, where culture is understood as country or national culture. Such training may also model and practise desirable behavioural adjustments.

However, research and experiential evidence suggest that a reset is necessary. The increasing heterogeneity of teams, organisations and societies as well as the diverse identities of individuals mean that the cultural complexity experienced by people in international business and management has become more multifarious in recent years. This development is an opportunity for business English teachers and trainers as such complexity brings with it the need for an increasing emphasis on language and communication skills - more traditionally the realm of language pedagogy - as well as on the development of rapport (i.e. relationship) skills and personal qualities.

Drawing on unpublished evidence from my own professional practice as well as material from my various publications, I look forward to exploring these issues with the participants as well as trying out in breakout rooms and discussing activities which can contribute to this re-focussed approach to intercultural training.

Make sure you register timely as spaces are limited. Registration closes on Thursday, April 25, 2024

Speaker- Peter Franklin

Peter Franklin is professor of intercultural communication and intercultural management at Hochschule Konstanz University of Applied Sciences, Germany. There he works on the Asia-oriented bachelor’s and master’s programmes and the MBA.

Before the pandemic Peter frequently worked on short assignments and summer schools in China and has led and participated in various international projects commissioned by the E.U. and other organisations. His various publications - both academic and for the practitioner - focus on various aspects of intercultural management and intercultural competence development.

In addition to his university work, for many years Peter Franklin has coached, trained and addressed hundreds of people from more than 90 companies faced with the challenges and opportunities of working across cultures.

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