See: Community Building Reading List
Notes about When Cultures Collide by Richard Lewis (via Google Bard):
Sure, here is a summary of When Cultures Collide by Richard Lewis:
When Cultures Collide is a book by Richard Lewis that explores the cultural differences that can lead to misunderstandings and conflict between people from different countries. Lewis divides cultures into three categories:
- Linear-active cultures: These cultures are task-oriented and value efficiency. They tend to be direct and to get to the point quickly. Examples of linear-active cultures include Germany, Switzerland, and the United States.
- Reactive cultures: These cultures are relationship-oriented and value harmony. They tend to be indirect and to avoid conflict. Examples of reactive cultures include Japan, China, and South Korea.
- Multi-active cultures: These cultures are people-oriented and value spontaneity. They tend to be talkative and to enjoy socializing. Examples of multi-active cultures include Latin America, the Middle East, and Southern Europe.
Lewis argues that these cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and conflict in a number of areas, including:
- Communication: People from different cultures may have different expectations about how to communicate. For example, people from linear-active cultures may be direct and to the point, while people from reactive cultures may be indirect and avoid conflict.
- Time: People from different cultures may have different attitudes towards time. For example, people from linear-active cultures may be punctual and to the point, while people from multi-active cultures may be more relaxed about time.
- Decision-making: People from different cultures may have different approaches to decision-making. For example, people from linear-active cultures may make decisions quickly and efficiently, while people from reactive cultures may take more time to reach a decision.
Lewis offers a number of tips for avoiding misunderstandings and conflict when working with people from other cultures. These tips include:
- Be aware of the cultural differences that may exist.
- Be respectful of other cultures.
- Be flexible and adaptable.
- Be patient.
- Be willing to learn about other cultures.
When Cultures Collide is a valuable resource for anyone who works or travels internationally. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the cultural differences that can lead to misunderstandings and conflict, and it offers practical tips for avoiding these problems.
Here are some additional thoughts on the book:
- Lewis’s work is based on his own extensive experience working with people from different cultures. This gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of working across cultures.
- The book is full of practical advice that can be applied to a variety of situations.
- Lewis’s writing is clear and concise, and he does a good job of explaining complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand.
Overall, When Cultures Collide is an informative and helpful book that provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of working across cultures. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about this topic.
[Author’s Note: The above text was AI-generated and may not be accurate. The overarching intent behind this blog post is to provide a starting point for discussions among aspiring community builders. Just as startup founders can benefit from startup oriented content (such as those provided by accelerators and incubators), community builders can benefit from community building oriented content. If you are an aspiring community builder, please contribute to the discussion by commenting on this post]