As anthropologists we want to make a difference in our world. Intercultural training provides us with that opportunity.
(Ojile 1986: 48)To make a difference includes the issue of change which is essential to the discipline of applied anthropology. Training in cross-cultural interaction and behaviour forms part of communication. Constitutes intercultural communication therefore a part of the academic discipline of applied anthropology? This paper tries to further investigate the correlations between these two academic fields.
Since one of the most obvious developments in contemporary society is that the world is continuously growing closer and closer, people get to meet and communicate that would have never met a few hundred years ago. Objects, customs and information get accessible that open up new worlds and horizons for any individual. As innovative opportunities arise with a closer interlinked worldwide society, also problems occur. People with different attitudes, perceptions, worldviews and ideas are confronted with each other and are being forced to communicate. This is where the discipline of intercultural communication comes in to inquire, clarify and explain the newly appeared circumstances. But is this concrete facilitation part of the larger context of applied anthropology?
As the author wants to further investigate this issue, she draws first on the definitions of the most important two terms to afterwards clarify the specific role expected of an applied anthropologist. A case study is used to relate this theoretical matter to a concrete situation. The example of cross-cultural training is employed as a practical and functional aspect of intercultural communication. This is followed by an overall evaluation in which the case study as well as the theoretical discussion are combined to answer the presented question. The conclusion infers the whole topic and tries to give an outlook on future development.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definitions
2.1. Applied Anthropology
2.2. Intercultural Communication
3. The Role of an Applied Anthropologist
4. Case Study: Intercultural Communication in Corporations
4.1. Situation
4.2. Definition of Intercultural Training
4.3. Needs and Outcome of Intercultural Training
4.4. Content and Structure of Intercultural Training
4.5. Job field: Anthropologists in Intercultural Training
5. Evaluation
6. Conclusion and Outlook
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This academic paper examines the potential correlation between intercultural communication and the discipline of applied anthropology. It investigates whether the practice of intercultural training can be classified as a functional application of anthropological expertise within modern, globalized corporate environments.
- Theoretical foundations of applied anthropology and intercultural communication.
- The professional role and brokerage functions of applied anthropologists.
- The practical necessity and structure of cross-cultural training programs.
- Analysis of how anthropological skills prevent communication failures in international business.
- Evaluation of intercultural training as a mechanism for societal change and adaptation.
Excerpt from the Book
4. Case Study: Intercultural Communication in Corporations
The globalization process, which describes the transnational interlocking of economies and markets, pushes businesses to become more and more international and globally operating. This development forces companies to know how to structure their companies best, manage staff and communicate with customers. Intercultural communication gives them an insight into the areas they need to tackle or comprehend (Kwintessential I). Furthermore, the demands on cross-cultural competence do increase as barriers and limitations when entering a foreign territory result in confusion and misunderstandings. “Careless behaviour towards people with foreign cultures and languages [...] has previously cost Americans respect overseas” (Ojile 1986: 35). Intercultural communication presents basic guidelines on how to address situations and how to prevent clashes between different cultural groups caused by misperceptions. People trained in the particular field offer their guidance and advice as consultants on how to practically solve problems. The expanding of corporations into different countries accentuates the need for intercultural training programs, which edify that learning to live in another country takes work and training the same way as the acquirement of a language does. This building of bridges through communication is in fact essential for adapting to the world.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the research question of whether intercultural communication is a component of applied anthropology by exploring the necessity of cross-cultural interaction in a globalized society.
2. Definitions: Defines the core concepts of applied anthropology as a tool for societal problem solving and intercultural communication as the study of interpersonal interactions across cultures.
3. The Role of an Applied Anthropologist: Discusses the five key roles of the anthropologist as a broker, facilitator, informant, analyst, and mediator in the professional world.
4. Case Study: Intercultural Communication in Corporations: Analyzes the practical application of intercultural training in business, covering its definition, requirements, content, structure, and the specific role of anthropologists as trainers.
5. Evaluation: Synthesizes the theoretical and practical sections to conclude that because both disciplines share the goal of solving societal problems through change, intercultural communication acts as a form of applied anthropology.
6. Conclusion and Outlook: Summarizes the findings, reinforcing that anthropologists play a crucial role in modern international business by providing the expertise required to navigate cultural diversity.
Keywords
Applied Anthropology, Intercultural Communication, Intercultural Training, Globalization, Cross-cultural Competence, Cultural Brokerage, Corporate Training, Communication Barriers, Culture Shock, Social Change, Anthropological Methodology, Business Strategy, International Management, Human Relations, Cultural Sensitivity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this paper?
The paper explores the intersection between applied anthropology and the field of intercultural communication, specifically aiming to determine if intercultural training qualifies as a practical application of anthropology.
What are the primary research areas?
The study focuses on the theoretical definitions of anthropology and communication, the professional roles of anthropologists, and a detailed case study regarding intercultural training in corporate settings.
What is the main objective of this investigation?
The author aims to investigate whether intercultural communication can be formally recognized as part of the academic discipline of applied anthropology.
Which scientific methodologies are utilized?
The work employs a theoretical literature review combined with an analytical case study approach to examine how anthropological concepts are applied to real-world corporate challenges.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the definition of relevant terms, the five roles of an applied anthropologist, the business case for intercultural training, and the practical implementation of such training programs.
What keywords characterize the research?
Key terms include Applied Anthropology, Intercultural Training, Corporate Globalization, Cross-cultural competence, and Cultural Brokerage.
How does the author define the "Role of an Applied Anthropologist"?
The author defines this role through the concept of "cultural brokerage," encompassing functions such as acting as a mediator, facilitator, or analyst to solve problems arising from cultural diversity.
Why is pre-departure orientation important for corporations?
According to the case study, pre-departure training significantly reduces the failure rate of international assignments by preparing employees and their families for the challenges of adapting to a new environment.
What is "Culture Shock" in this context?
Culture Shock is identified as a type of psychological regression or breakdown caused by the failure to navigate cultural obstacles, which can be mitigated through proper training.
- Citar trabajo
- Anna Ihle (Autor), 2008, Is the study of Intercultural Communication Applied Anthropology?, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/123936
