Framework for first meeting 9/7/16

This week, let's begin by introducing ourselves and establishing a framework for the upcoming year in The Devil's Tongue Book Club / Reading Group. If you're joining us online, please comment and contribute to the discussion in any way you feel fits!

Let's continue by discussing Managing Cultural Differences through Chapter 1, titled "Global leaders, culture, and a changing world."

• The authors call for "sophisticated global leadership skills" as they provide a need for managing cultural differences on the inside cover. Let's read it together.
• In Chapter 1 (p. 2), we find some shocking examples taken from an article in The Economist. Do you read The Economist? http://www.theeconomist.com 
• On page 6, the authors say, "We believe managing cultural differences skillfully for all individuals, organizations, NGOs, and governments from all countries is a human and business imperative." Why do you think this is true?
• Pages 7-11 provide several shocking stories of cultural experiences. Which did you find most shocking, and why?
• My favorite example from this chapter is found on p. 13. Are you more like Guillaume or Rebecca?
• On p. 11, the authors define culture. How might we define culture?
• On p. 12, the authors offer 10 categories for understanding macro or micro culture. Are there any more you'd add to the list? Would you omit some? Let's consider these 10 aspects as we continue through the reading group:
• Sense of smell and space
• Communication and language
• Dress and appearance
• Food and feeding habits
• Time and time consciousness
• Relationships
• Values and norms
• Beliefs and attitudes
• Mental process and learning
• Work habits and practices
• And the 10 concepts of cultural variables:
• Environment
• Time
• Action
• Communication
• Space
• Power
• Individualism
• Competitiveness
• Structure
• Thinking
• P. 19 introduces Geert Hofstede. Perhaps Dr. Rice can give us a 5-10 minute intro. to Hofstede's work.
• The image on p. 23 provides a continuum of cultural values (according to Confucian interpretation rather than a Western perspective). Perhaps our visiting scholars can provide insight into Confucian interpretations throughout the reading group meetings now and in the future.
• P. 29 provides the image summarizing qualities of interculturally competent leadership. I propose we maintain this as a guide as we continue our discussions.
• Question of the week for Dr. Rice: What does this have to do with what we do in TCR?

Next meeting, 9/20, let's discuss chapters 2 and 4.