BUS 5211 Written Assignment Unit 5.pdf - The University Of...

The University Of The People
Written Assignment Unit 5
5211: Managing in the Global Economy
John Osiemo (Instructor)

Abstract
Cross-cultural misunderstanding happens when people from different cultures communicate or
interact with one another. People from one culture act according to their norms and values, but
the other does not understand the message the way it was conveyed and might interpret
differently due to the cultural differences (ADB, 2008). Cultural misunderstanding also occurs
when a word, gestures or social context have different meanings in different cultures.
Introduction
In this unit's reading, we look at critical incident analysis (CIA) that helps support an unbiased
response to cultural variances by allowing managers to demonstrate empathy related to other
points of view. Using the CIA method, I will describe a situation that I had experienced where a
cross-cultural misunderstanding took place concerning language spoken.
Situation
I can state that mexicans can be called “laidback people”, as we tend to not complain about other
people´s ways to the face, we go with the flow we’re friendly, warm and party people. The
relationship with time is subjective here as well, because we are not the most punctual people.
We can see that when a plane, a concert or an important meeting leaves. They never leave on
time like trains in European countries. But back to the point, we could be seen as a person who
just says what other people want to hear, but it is because we naturally try to avoid confrontation
and misunderstanding may occur as Mexicans do not say no.
At one time, during my internship in London, I had the joy of attending an influencer to choose
the outfit for a local gala and Nico Didonna, where I worked had the biggest gowns you could
imagine. When I began to put my model in her first look. For some reason I confused the words
and I told her to turn to the right, instead of the left. The result was that I tripped and stepped on
the tulle and train of the dress. I heard the break and asked if everything was okay, and I said in
a moment. There was no time to run around like a chicken with its head cut off. You need to get
calm, stay calm, and run through the options you have. I approached with another coworker and

asked her if she could think of another way to fix it, because in a few moments she would be
going out for photos. We decided to adhesive both parts for now. And later put some pins slips
and use invisible thread to start hand stitching the two tulle pieces together before Nico could