International Team Building aus britischer Perspektive, mit Schwerpunkt auf interkultureller Kompetenz

Abstract

Intercultural competence is the overriding essential skill in intercultural communication but it is very difficult to define. Can we really talk here of just one skill or should we rather consider a combination of skills? What roles do hard and soft skills play in this model and how can it be applied to international team building?

In times of increasing globalization international teams are commonplace phenomena and beset with every possible facet of success and failure. People from different cultural background strive to understand each other, to overcome intercultural obstacles and optimize group potential. In this paper ways of achieving this potential will be investigated, such as the correct choice of language, heightened awareness of own and other perspective, the application of dos and taboos, and the desirability of consensus. These will be reviewed in the context of British and German business styles.