Western/Northwestern/RCH Alliance

AimsBe aware of the importance of cultureBe able to identify cultural barriers to

communicationLearn strategies to overcome these barriersDevelop “cultural competence”

CultureA pattern of ideas, rules, values, beliefs,

habitsAcquired through interactions with peopleInfluenced by age, gender, family, economic

status, personality, experience, career, etcProvide a value systemDynamic: evolving over timeDifficult to define!

Cultural AwarenessThe ability to recognize your own cultural

values, and those of other culturesBeing respectful and open-mindedAvoidance of stereotypingSensitivity to culturally-specific needs

Note: awareness can be a passive process

Cultural CompetenceThe ability to maintain positive outcomes in

cross-cultural encountersIt is an active processRequires attitude, knowledge and experience

DifficultiesIt is normal to feel stressed, overwhelmed,

misunderstood, or threatened when facing people from an unfamiliar culture

Things which seem logical to them will make no sense to you

You may find yourself being stereotyped, or be tempted to stereotype them

Culture is complex

Cultural DimensionsAll cultures lie between these two extremes of

value

Individualism

Equality

Gender indifference

Shades of grey

Short-term values

Collectivism

Hierarchy

Gender differentiation

Black and white

Long-term values

Individualism versus CollectivismIndividualism CollectivismPrivacyRightsPersonal ResponsibilityPersonal choice

LoyaltyFriendlinessPart of a groupSocial obligations

Where does Australia lie on this cultural dimension?Where does your own culture lie?

Power DistanceEquality HierarchySocial welfareSocialising is casual,

lack of rulesEqual rights for all

groups

Unequal distribution of wealth, status and power

Rigid rules governing social behaviour

Where does Australia lie on this cultural dimension?Where does your own culture lie?

Gender DifferentiationMale / Female Distinction

Gender Indifference

• Men and women take on different, and non-interchangeable roles

• Affects clothing, language, behaviours, sometimes rights

Men and women are seen as equivalent in terms of roles they can take on

Gender does not define how you behave

Where does Australia lie on this cultural dimension?Where does your own culture lie?

Tolerance for UncertaintyBlack and White Shades of GreyBelief in absolutesRules and regulationsRisk avoidanceOften single viewpoint

No ultimate truthAnarchisticRisk takingMultiple perspectives

Where does Australia lie on this cultural dimension?Where does your own culture lie?

Time frameShort-term values Long-term orientationRapidly changingInnovationsToday’s problems are

more important than those in 50 years’ time

Tradition and stabilityDislike of changeConservativeMakes sacrifices for

long-term gain

Where does Australia lie on this cultural dimension?Where does your own culture lie?

Australian Culture/CommunicationVerbal communication

Direct, to the pointBrevity versus decorationInterrupting a speakerDifference of opinionUse of humourEmotions

Australian Culture/CommunicationNon-verbal communication

Facial expressionEye contactGesturesTouch and personal spaceDegree of emotion

Australian Culture/CommunicationWritten Communication

LogicalLinearComprehensive

Australian Culture / Sense of TimeMonochronic time sense

Strictly punctualAttention is given to the current taskInterruptions are avoided

Polychronic time senseTimetables and schedules are less important

than other obligations

Australian Culture / Approach to Illness and DeathDenial of illness and deathMuch effort spent on avoiding itLack of acceptance of one’s “fate”

Australian Culture / Legal Issues in the WorkplaceEqual opportunityMulticulturalismConsentConfidentialityBoundaries to sexual advancesFormal complaints procedure

Specific Issues for doctors working in AustraliaAlcoholSexuality - attitudes and behavioursAboriginal healthMental healthAgeing and community care

Your InputWhat have you experienced?

Problems with cross-cultural encounters? Misunderstanding or being misunderstood?Surprising elements of Australian culture?Stereotyping or pre-formed opinions?Interesting differences between cultures?