8.8 Summary

Understanding why people behave in a certain way and what their intentions are very often helps us to come to terms with a confusing or even conflicting situation. However, if we are willing to take the time to move beyond initial conceptions, then a common culture can be negotiated and a common space for interaction can be created. In this way we harness the diversity present and actively benefit from it. Such a process requires implementing a sequence of steps. One such step is becoming aware of one's own cultural orientations. A further step is then to explore and identify central issue domains that need to be negotiated as well as analysing contextual influences. Subsequently we need to ensure that common meanings are developed and establish genuine agreement on common goals that all parties can identify with. This forms the basis for further negotiation of ways of communicating and working together and is a significant step towards developing a common culture. There may be areas where people are able to complement each other, adapt to each other or find a middle way. Over and above this, the process also sets the stage for novel ways of interacting and thus the development of synergies. Because a negotiated culture not only acknowledges diversity but values it and searches for means and ways of benefiting from it, it is an approach which has a high potential for constructive, effective and satisfying interactions. Negotiating culture requires awareness as well as knowledge, skills and an open attitude. All this together could be called 'intercultural competence'.