Bucher: Developin Diversity Consciou: Nine Megaskills - Softcover

This engaging, interactive book on cultural diversity is suited for general courses across the disciplines (i.e. cultural diversity, human relations, freshman seminar/orientation, communications, sociology, business, health and human services, theology, education, management) as well as more specific ones (hospitality management, racial and ethnic relations, customer service, culturally competent health care, managing diversity, teaching diverse populations, multicultural counseling, muticultural psychology, transcultural nursing, family therapy, human relations/law enforcement). The text treats cultural intelligence as a rich and dynamic skill set we can develop, and manage ourselves through self-directed learning. Readers will develop nine megaskills; skills they can take with them and use at work, at home, abroad, or in any setting where cross-cultural awareness, understanding, and interaction is required. These nine megaskills include: 1)understanding my cultural identity; 2)checking cultural lenses; 3)global consciousness; 4)shifting perspectives; 5)intercultural communication; 6)managing cross-cultural conflict; 7)multicultural teaming; 8)managing bias; 9)understanding the dynamics of power. Highly interactive, promotes critical thinking, reflection, and application. Includes self-assessments. Readers are continually asked to reflect before and after reading, and write responses in the space provided. Specific performance skills at the beginning of each chapter enable readers to focus on certain competencies they will develop. By building these skills, readers will be able to acknowledge, understand, and leverage cultural differences. Throughout the text, research and theory are discussed, specifically with regard to culture and its impact on who we are, how we view ourselves and others, and how we interact. For additional resources, please visit http://www.buildingcq.com We encourage you to visit this Blog on the subject of diversity consciousness/cultural intelligence at www.diversityconsciousness.com/blog The author driven Blog is for faculty and educators who want to learn more about diversity and how it impacts their institutions, their communities, and their teaching.

Building Cultural Intelligence(CQ): Nine Megaskills

Building Cultural Intelligence is a must read for any course that emphasizes cultural awareness and understanding, human interaction, and cultural communication among diverse populations.  This practical, engaging, and interactive text promotes critical thinking and skills development.

 

Bucher presents cultural intelligence as a skill we can learn, develop, and manage.  He focuses on nine specific megaskills readers can use at work, home, and abroad to promote cross-cultural understanding.  Each chapter offers a number of diverse learning aids, including self-assessments.  Each megaskill supplies building blocks through specific competencies.  These nine megaskills are:

• Understanding cultural identity
• Checking cultural lenses
• Global conciousness
• Shifting perspectives
• Intercultural communication
• Managing cross-cultural conflict
• Multicultural teaming
• Managing bias
• Understanding the dynamics of power

Research and theory are discussed throughout, specifically with regard to culture and its impact on who we are, how we view ourselves and others, and how we relate in a variety of ways.  The relevance to employment and career goals, focus on critically important skills, and inclusiveness are all strengths of this text that will give students the edge in any environment.  

 

Readers become "CEO's" of their CQ skill development rather than relying on others to take the initiative.  It explores bottom line relevance, real-life applications, and moves beyond awareness so the learner becomes more "intelligent" in terms of developing the ability to adjust to cultural differences.