Discussion
- According to the principle of the golden mean, one should treat others based on how we want to be treated. However, in intercultural interactions, we must treat others based on how they want to be treated. Discuss a time when you had to adjust your communication style to fit someone else’s needs.
- To test the principle of the golden mean, try answering the following questions:
- In a conversation with your instructor or your supervisor at work, should you maintain direct eye contact?
- If you were to travel outside of the country, how would you prepare for the trip?
- If a coworker offered you food that is traditional to their culture, would you try it? If you do not wish to try it, how would you state this respectfully? If you chose to try it and did not like it, how would you handle the situation respectfully?
- Identify a country you would like to visit. Research the country and find one interesting business fact and share it with the class.
- Write a summary about a city, region, state, or country you have visited that is not like where you live. Share and compare with classmates.
- Consider a culture that is different than yours. Compare and contrast two cultures and what they add to the American culture.
