Basics
Cultures can be different not only between continents or nations but also within the same company and even within the same family. The differences may be ethical, ethnic, geographical, historical, moral, political, or religious.
The basic requirements for intercultural competence are empathy, an understanding of other people's behaviors and ways of thinking, and the ability to express one's own way of thinking. It is a balance, situatively adapted, among four parts:
- Knowledge (about other cultures and other people's behaviors)
- Empathy (understanding the feelings and needs of other people)
- Self-confidence (knowledge of one's own desires, strengths, weaknesses, and emotional stability)
- Cultural identity (knowledge of one's own culture)
Read more about this topic: Intercultural Competence