getting started in the field of cross cultural learning and organizational development

©2016 ITAP International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Getting Started in the Field of Cross-Cultural Learning and

Organizational Development

Advice from John Bing, Founder of ITAP International, Inc.

Career Advice from John Bing

• John Bing, ITAP’s founder, has 50+ years experience in cross-cultural learning and organizational development.

• Here is his advice for those seeking to work in this field.

©2016 ITAP International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2

Caveat: Experience-Based Advice

• The advice in this presentation is grounded in experience, not research.

• Research might contradict some of the advice in this presentation.


Personal Reasons to Enter this Field

• People choose a career in cross-cultural learning and organizational development for personal reasons.

• For John Bing: Growing up with parents who had different

cultural backgrounds.The excitement of binocular vision and seeing

two cultures in depth.


Idealism as a Reason to Enter this Field

Cross-cultural learning and organizational development is one of the few areas of work that can counter provincialism and nativism and encourage cosmopolitanism and cross-border understanding.• It may not save the world, but the field nudges the

world in the right direction.


Many Potential Employers

• Individuals with expertise with crossing cultures can find employment as practitioners and or researchers in:1. Higher education2. Nonprofits3. Government4. Business


Many Potential Employers: Academia and Government

For deeper insights into opportunities in academia and the government, consider that• Academic journals can suggest the

departments in colleges or universities in which cross-cultural research is the strongest.

• A number of government agencies conduct cross-cultural research, including the Peace Corps and the Department of Defense.


Many Potential Employers:Small Businesses

• Small businesses: Some start their own business while others join a small group of practitioners:– Caution: Starting one’s own business requires

sufficient financing and a strong business plan. Any deficiencies at the start may become part of the business’ DNA.

– Small businesses rarely have the resources to conduct meaningful research.


Many Potential Employers:Consulting Organizations

• It is rare to find positions exclusively for cross-cultural consultants in large consulting organizations.


Many Potential Employers:Large Businesses

• Large progressive businesses sometimes have specialists in Human Resources or Organizational Development who focus on development or organizational change that incorporate cross-cultural research.– Geert Hofstede’s research began at IBM.


Bridging Research and Practice

• The use of research-proven approaches is meaningful to many clients and develops a scientific foundation for the profession.– Consider making research part of your

practice.• Practitioners that bridge research and

practice are in a strong position to add value to their clients’ organizations.


John Bing’s Career Path

• Peace Corps in Afghanistan.• Peace Corps Office of Training.• A nonprofit in Estes Park, Colorado, where

he developed the first Peace Corps cross-cultural training manuals based on an experiential approach.– Until then, the training has been based on

area studies lectures and readings.


John Bing and ITAP

• John Bing founded ITAP in 1986 (formerly International Training Associates of Princeton).

• Forging strategic alliances with other firms, ITAP serves global clients across multiple geographies.


Four Windows Approach

• Early on, a client of ITAP wanted insight into cultural differences within a group.

• This led to the “four windows” approach to differences.


Four Windows Approach to Differences Within a Group (1 of 2)

• Individual (or personality): Can be measured by personality inventories such as the MBTI.

• Cultural: Can be measured by approaches such as Geert Hofstede’s and the Culture in the Workplace QuestionnaireTM that John Bing developed in collaboration with Dr. Hofstede.


Four Windows Approach to Differences Within a Group (2 of 2)

• Environmental: Primarily economic measures, such as GDP, unemployment, degree of inequality, etc.

• Organizational: Organizational practices, as they influence employees.


The Four Windows Approach

• Each of these factors influences individual behaviors. They’re important to consider when teaching clients about other geographies. – Practitioners may add additional factors.


Bridging Research and Practice

• John Bing forged a business agreement between ITAP and Geert Hofstede.

• ITAP developed the Culture in the Workplace QuestionnaireTM (CWQ) based on Hofstede’s Values Survey Module (VSM).


ITAP’s Research

• Recent analysis shows that the data collected through ITAP’s Culture in the Workplace QuestionnaireTM and Hofstede’s VSM are correlated.

• The research helps show that Hofstede’s results have been consistent over time.


ITAP’s Work with Clients


Clients turn to ITAP for help with:1. Global talent retention and development2. Effectiveness of the senior team and mission

critical global teams3. Global leader and global workforce

development 4. Cross-border transformation and changeEnsure that culture is an asset, not a

barrier in your global business.

21

Clients often testify to the positive results achieved from ITAP’s tools & approaches

You showed your commitment to building our relationship by giving us content up front, before we even had an agreement.

German/US American Medical Devices Company

This is impressive work. You have captured the voices of each of the groups. Thanks – we know you've gone beyond the contract.

VP of Diversity at a global pharmaceutical company

Without hesitation, ITAP exceeded our very high expectations. We will look forward to partnering with you again in the future.

Organizational Effectiveness Group Manager at a global financial services company

Before

During

After


22

Questions? Call us...

Catherine Mercer BingCEO, ITAP International, Inc.Managing Director, ITAP Americas, Inc.

353 Nassau Street, First FloorPrinceton, NJ 08540 USA(W) +1.215.860.5640(M) +1.609.937.1557http://[email protected]: CatherineBing


http://www.itapintl.com/

mailto:[email protected]