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Nursing Assistant Monthly
Cross-Cultural
Communication
October 2009
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
2
What is culture?
 Culture is:
– Our way of life
– Our set of values
– Our beliefs and views of the world
October 2009
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Cross-Cultural Communication
3
Cultural groups
 We all belong to many cultures based on:
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Our ethnic background
Our gender
Our career or workplace
Our sexual orientation
Our religion
Can you list some cultural groups you belong to?
October 2009
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Cross-Cultural Communication
4
Why care about culture?
 Understanding a person’s cultural background:
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Can help prevent misunderstandings
Helps us learn what is important to the other person
Sets the stage for better communication
Helps us better understand the other person’s behavior
October 2009
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Cross-Cultural Communication
5
Cultural diversity
 When people from different cultures meet, there is
opportunity for:
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Learning
Sharing
Conflict
Misunderstanding
Communication and miscommunication
October 2009
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Cross-Cultural Communication
6
Mutual respect holds the key
 Respect can have different meanings for different people
 What does respect mean to you?
– Examples:
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Being acknowledged (e.g., being greeted when you enter a room)
Included in conversations in the breakroom
Getting help from co-workers
Having others ask your opinion
Being treated like an adult
October 2009
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Cross-Cultural Communication
7
Beware of assumptions
 Assumptions are automatic judgments we make about
others.
 Problem with assumptions
– They may be wrong
– They often block communication
– They interfere with relationships
October 2009
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Cross-Cultural Communication
8
Communicating across cultures
 Keep an open mind and avoid prejudging
 Treat others as you would like to be treated
 Be a good listener
 Show interest in another’s viewpoint, culture, opinions
October 2009
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Cross-Cultural Communication
9
As a CNA…
Communicating effectively with co-workers and residents
from other cultures will help you to:
 Provide better care
 Enjoy your work more!
October 2009
Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Cross-Cultural Communication