Preparing Future Diplomats for Cross-cultural Communication under the Impact of Digitalization, Remote Work and Closed Borders
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to develop research hypotheses based on a case description. This describes the experience with a scientifically-based training for groups of future diplomats in cross-cultural communication online during the pandemic 2020/21 and uses “lessons learned” to also develop a concept for improved training considering more distant-communication online between different cultures. The results of this case analysis show that the cultural dimension “high context vs low context communication,” as used in the work of Schroll-Machl, Hofstede or Mayer, play an important role in training Germans in cross-cultural communication. A strengthened training focus on “self-reflection” with the goal to define and reflect advantages and disadvantages of the personal (German) cultural imprint and its possible effect on others can make up for the lack of high-context communication in online settings. As a conclusion, the objective “Differences between online-communication and face-to-face communication and its implications for intercultural exchange” is added to the training concept. This paper suggests hypotheses for future research such as “Cross-cultural online communication requires more 'low-context’ communication than face to face communication,” “Online communication eliminates context that is required for “low-context” communication styles.” And “Online intercultural trainings need new methods to teach low context communication, like virtual reality.”
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References
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