The following is based on a hand-out to international business students in the context of the subject Intercultural Relations and Communication of October 2006, designed to develop intercultural sensitivity and competence through an exploration of US–North Korean intercultural relations. As one can see, the question has not been solved to this day. On the contrary, presently, North Korea is threatening the world with war.
Table of Contents
1. A Strategic Intercultural Simulation (Experiential Learning)
2. The US Versus North Korea, A Topical Bilateral Interfacing of Societal/Political Cultures
3. A highly participative group activity, aimed at developing and enhancing CQ – cultural intelligence
Research Objectives and Themes
This document presents a strategic experiential learning simulation designed to foster intercultural competence and communication skills by analyzing the complex bilateral relationship between the United States and North Korea within a historical and socio-political context.
- Application of intercultural research data to real-world political conflicts.
- Development of cultural intelligence (CQ) through interactive group simulations.
- Comparative analysis of US and North Korean cultural values and negotiation styles.
- Exploration of the influence of isolation and ideology on societal worldviews.
- Strategic preparation for cross-cultural negotiations and conflict management.
Excerpt from the Book
Culture profiles of the parties based on Geert Hofstede, Fons Trompenaars and Charles Hampden-Turner, Edward T. Hall and Richard D. Lewis:
US values VS North Korean values
Low context High context
(Communication style, space, time, information flow
Achievement culture Ascription culture
Referee government Coach government
Pioneer Imitator
Inner-directed Outer directed
Confrontation Importance of harmony
Sequential Synchronic
Universalist Particularist
Specific Diffuse
Individualist Collectivist
Lower power distance Higher power distance
Higher masculinity Lower masculinity
Low uncertainty avoidance Strong uncertainty avoidance
Short term orientation Long term orientation
Importance of Kibun (face) and Hahn (“pent-up energies and frustration, that developed in the Korean psyche under conditions of extreme hardship and oppression.” (R. D. Lewis in “When Cultures Collide”, Chap. 58, p. 502)
Summary of Chapters
A Strategic Intercultural Simulation (Experiential Learning): Provides an introduction to the pedagogical concept of using experiential simulations to develop sensitivity and practical skills in intercultural relations.
The US Versus North Korea, A Topical Bilateral Interfacing of Societal/Political Cultures: Examines the specific geopolitical challenges between the two nations, grounding the learning set in the assumption of core cultural beliefs while accounting for divergent political realities.
A highly participative group activity, aimed at developing and enhancing CQ – cultural intelligence: Outlines the practical assignment for students, including the simulation setup, strategic guidelines based on Sun Tzu, and the comparative value profiles of the respective nations.
Keywords
Intercultural Communication, Strategic Simulation, Experiential Learning, Cultural Intelligence, CQ, North Korea, United States, Negotiation Strategy, Kibun, Hahn, Confucianism, Cultural Values, Conflict Resolution, Geopolitical Interfacing, Socio-political Context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
This work focuses on the development of intercultural competence through a hands-on simulation that addresses the complex communication and negotiation dynamics between the US and North Korea.
What are the central themes covered?
The central themes include comparative cultural analysis, the impact of political isolation on societal worldviews, negotiation strategy, and the application of theoretical intercultural frameworks to acute global conflicts.
What is the ultimate goal of the simulation?
The goal is to improve the participants' cultural intelligence (CQ) and enhance their ability to navigate complex, high-stakes international interactions.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The work employs an experiential learning methodology, utilizing established cross-cultural frameworks from scholars such as Hofstede, Trompenaars, and Lewis to structure the role-play simulation.
What content is addressed in the main body?
The main body details the cultural profiles of the US and North Korea, provides strategic guidelines for negotiation, and lists reflection questions to guide student analysis.
Which keywords define this study?
Key terms include Intercultural Communication, Cultural Intelligence, Simulation, Negotiation Strategy, and specific cultural concepts like Kibun and Hahn.
How does the author characterize the role of the North Korean context?
The author highlights the necessity of nuancing generic South Korean research data with the unique socio-political conditions of North Korea, specifically regarding political isolation.
What is the significance of the "Sun Tzu" reference in the text?
The reference is used as a strategic guideline to emphasize the importance of self-knowledge and understanding the opponent's perspective to achieve success in negotiation.
What specific cultural attributes are contrasted in the simulation?
The simulation contrasts attributes such as low-context versus high-context communication, achievement-based versus ascription-based culture, and individualist versus collectivist values.
- Quote paper
- D.E.A./UNIV. PARIS I Gebhard Deißler (Author), 2013, US-North Korean Strategic Intercultural Communication Simulation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/213084
