In times of globalization and international cooperation, cross cultural competence is the basis for successful cooperation. Especially communication with people from a broad variety of backgrounds can be both enriching and challenging. Quiet often, this leads to unnecessary misunderstandings and differences in business.

A successful international cooperation in a daily business life might get complicated through cross cultural misunderstandings. People are usually not aware that their thinking and actions are often strongly influenced by their own intercultural identity.

“If you want to build a bridge to the other side of the river, you first have to know your own riverbank!” Being aware of your own socialization and actions is the basis and prerequisite for developing an understanding of other cultures.

Carola Helwig