Cultivating Cultural Self-Awareness

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the importance of using appropriate pedagogic and practical tools to develop cultural self-awareness in international business (IB) students in a classroom setting, establishing the foundations for future international business executives. Based on recent research, the author posits that IB students need to develop three basic knowledge bases: (1) their cultural intelligence level, (2) their potential implicit biases, and (3) the use of critical thinking to avoid certain psychological traps or hijackers. Using cultural self-assessments, developing the understanding of psychological factors affecting decision-making processes, and incorporating the use of critical thinking should reduce the negative role of unconscious biases during cross-cultural interactions. The author posits about the effectiveness of cultural profiling tools in predicting and identifying potential cultural pitfalls and challenges. Finally, the author recommends incorporating the practical use of cultural profiling tools in simulation or case studies.