Cross- cultural Communication This page intentionally left blank

Teaching methodology
The training methodology used by those teaching cross- cultural communi-
cation skills should reflect the evolution from top- down learning of mainly 
cognitive knowledge to interactive learning with students encouraged to 
participate, challenge and discuss. Teaching should, wherever possible, be 
experiential, with students taking part in role playing, acting out short 
scenarios, practising appropriate
non- verbal behaviour and learning by 
interaction with fellow international students. Teachers and trainers, when 
group size permits, should act more as facilitators than lecturers.
Feedback both from teachers and other members of the group is of great 
importance and can be assisted by video recording. Incorrect cultural 
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276 Cross-Cultural Communication
responses to situations can thereby be more easily analysed and rectified. 
Learning should be encouraged using multimedia facilities, including film, 
video, CCTV and the Internet. Sessions can be enlivened by input from 
nationals of the target cultures and by those who have just returned from 
overseas with their anecdotes and practical examples. Recent returnees are 
particularly valuable in keeping the teaching material up to date.
In order to develop a
well- structured
cross- cultural communication 
programme, the following steps are suggested:
identify the target audience;
assess their needs and expectations by carrying out a needs analysis;
detail the aims of the programme so as to meet the expectations;
decide the contents of the programme within the agreed time allowed 
for the training;
evaluate the effectiveness of the programme by feedback from course 
critiques;
fine- tune any required amendments after consultation with end- users.
Training should be carefully planned where appropriate to include the fami-
lies of those going to live and work in other cultures. It should be designed 
not only to protect the organization’s investment and reputation in sending 
personnel overseas, but also to help those personnel find a level of personal 
fulfilment and satisfaction in their new environment.