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The Need for Cross-Cultural Competence (3C)1OverviewWhat is Culture

Cross-Cultural Competence (3C)

Why Understanding Culture is ImportantWhat is Culture?Culture is like dropping an Alka-Seltzer into a glassyou dont see it, but somehow it does something. ~ Hans Magnus Enzensberger (German author and poet)

Culture is roughly anything we do and the monkeys dont. ~ Lord Raglan (British Soldier 1788-1855)

Tylors Definition:

that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.

As applied to areas of the world to be conquered and colonized:

We have culture and you dont!Civilized vs. Uncivilized

What is Culture?Ethnocentrists see their culture as best and by default measure all other cultures by their own standard

Cultural Relativists are open to trying to understand different cultures within the context of that particular culture Thought Question: Can Airmen always be cultural relativists?

Ethnocentrism vs. Cultural RelativismBuilding our Definition of CultureCultureis a state of mind

involves affiliation

is a tool

is made up of domains

Building our Definition of CultureCharacteristics of CultureLearned and shared

Symbolic

Holistic

Influences and is influenced

So when we add all this together we get

Our DefinitionCulture is the creation, maintenance, and transformation across generations of semi-shared patterns of meaning, sense-making, affiliation, action, and organization by groups - Air Force Culture and Language CenterWhat is Competence?Having suitable or sufficient skill, knowledge, experience, etc., for some purpose; properly qualified. ~ Random House DictionaryHow do we know someone is competent?AFOQT

Physical Requirements

Get Commissioned (USAFA, ROTC, OTS)

Understanding Competence: Becoming an AF PilotAF Undergraduate Pilot Training (academics)

Flight Training

Operational Aircraft Training and Qualification

Understanding Competence: Becoming an AF PilotThe ability to quickly and accurately comprehend, then appropriately and effectively act in a culturally complex environment to achieve the desired effect.But developing 3C is also a process

Cross-Cultural CompetenceCross-Cultural CompetenceCulture-GeneralKnowing what culture isUnderstanding foundational concepts of cultureDeveloping basic skills in dealing with different cultures

Culture-SpecificBecoming familiar with regionally specific knowledge and language that will orient you to various cultures

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE: Those who have the most cross-cultural competence are the ones who possess knowledge, skills, and attitudes in BOTH of these areas. Why Understanding Culture is ImportantIt helps you become The Other

It is a force multiplier

It is a means of building stable institutions

Being The OtherWhen you deploy, you are defined by the natives as The OtherUsually a very narrow definition: American MilitaryBecoming The OtherYou see yourself as the other person sees youWhen two people meet, there are really six people present. There is each man as he sees himself, each man as he wants to be seen, and each man as he really is. ~ Michael De SaintamoBut there is also each person as the other sees him or her.OtherHow does this happen?

An Example of Being The Other and Becoming The Other: Joining the MilitaryBecoming The OtherYou look at yourself through the natives cultural lensYou become less ethnocentric and more cultural relativeYou can better adapt your words and actions

Culture as a Force Multiplier A capability that, when added to and employed by a combat force, significantly increases the combat potential of that forceGeographical terrain vs. human terrainMany hands make light work

One of our goalsAssist people caught in conflict to develop stable institutions (e.g., political, social, economic, etc.)US Africa Command (AFRICOM): Leverages relationships between security, development, diplomacy, and prosperity; enables DOD to focus its resources tohelp African nations, the African Union, and the regional economic communities succeed.Building Stable Institutionswe are helping the long-suffering people of that country to build a decent and democratic society ~ Former President George W. Bush, Sep 2003Developing and enhancing your 3C abilities will help promote better relations with foreign cultures and coalition partners, and will ultimately help you exert positive influence in culturally complex situations

Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity arebasic survival skills for almost everyone. ~ Craig Storti, cross- cultural author and trainerThe Bottom Line on 3C

SummaryWhat is Culture

Cross-Cultural Competence (3C)

Why Understanding Culture is Important