INCUMED / Intercultural mediation by Arnaud van der Veere

INCUMED / Intercultural mediation by Arnaud van der Veere addresses the complexities of communication between people from diverse cultural backgrounds. As migration increases globally, understanding and adapting to different cultures becomes critical. Culture is a fluid set of shared values, language, arts, religion, and lifestyle norms that can change over time. It exists on multiple levels, from family and community cultures to broader national and regional identities.

Cultural differences are most evident in communication styles. High-context cultures (e.g., China and Japan) rely heavily on non-verbal cues, implicit meanings, and relationships. In contrast, low-context cultures (e.g., USA, Germany) emphasize explicit verbal messages and individualism. Furthermore, power distance and uncertainty avoidance are key dimensions shaping workplace interactions. High power distance cultures accept hierarchical structures, while low power distance societies value egalitarianism. Similarly, uncertainty avoidance affects how cultures handle change, with some preferring strict protocols and others embracing ambiguity.

Stereotyping poses a significant hurdle in intercultural communication. While generalizations can provide valuable insights, rigid stereotypes often breed misunderstandings and prejudice. Cultivating intercultural competence, the ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries, necessitates cognitive knowledge, emotional sensitivity, and behavioral adaptability. Skilled intercultural mediators adeptly navigate verbal and non-verbal language, discern cultural cues, and comprehend the influence of religion and social customs, thereby fostering empathy and open-mindedness.

Organizations must actively manage diversity to facilitate better interactions. This involves training employees to recognize their own cultural biases, understand the worldview of others, and adapt communication strategies accordingly. Differences in authority perception, relationship-building, and communication styles can lead to miscommunication can lead to miscommunication, making diversity training essential. Intercultural competence is beneficial in personal interactions and crucial for businesses operating in a globalized environment.