Transforming the Advisor-Advisee Relationship Through Cultural Exploration

Transforming the Advisor-Advisee Relationship Through Cultural Exploration

Amy Nicholas-Rostan & Katharine StoddardVirginia Commonwealth University

Welcome!● Katharine Stoddard- VCU alum X2-

psychology and counseling background

● Amy Rostan- Longwood University and VCU alum- teaching and counseling background

● LGCC 197- Intercultural Communication

VCU Student DemographicsEthnicity of Students at VCU0.3% American Indian/Alaskan Native12.4% Asian18.9% Black/African-American7.3% Hispanic/Latino4.3% Multi-race (not Hispanic/Latino)0.3% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander53.1% White3.5% Unknown

International Students2.7% from 109 countries

http://www.collegedata.com/cs/data/college/college_pg01_tmpl.jhtml?schoolId=1565

Quick Cultural Competency Assessment

Questions to discuss with partner:

1. What about your results surprised you?2. Why is recognizing your cultural competence important?3. In what areas do you need improvement and how can you improve?

Geert Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions

1. Power Distance2. Uncertainty Avoidance3. Individualism vs. Collectivism4. Masculinity vs. Femininity

Power Distance"The extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally" (Hofstede, 1991)

Uncertainty Avoidance

"The extent to which the members of society feel uncomfortable with the uncertainty and ambiguity"(Hofstede, 1991)

Individualism vs. Collectivism● “I” or “we”● Individualistic:

o value personal choice/individual rightso freely display emotiono value is placed on personal achievements o empahsise on physical appearance, clothing, and

facial expressions. ● Collectivist:

○ strong, cohesive, tight-knit groups○ integrated at birth and show unconditional loyalty○ restrain and moderate facial expressions

Individual vs. Collectivist CountriesIndividualistic countries:● United States● Australia● Germany● Denmark● France

Collectivist countries: ● China● Japan● India● Pakistan● Venezuela● South Korea

Masculinity vs. FemininityMasculine cultures:● value assertiveness● materialistic● power/strength● individual achievementFeminine cultures:● relationship orientated● work in order to live● greater focus on life● quality of life and people are highly valued

Masculinity vs. FemininityMasculine countries:● United States● Germany● China● Australia● Japan

Feminine countries:● Sweden● Netherlands● Denmark● France● Romania

Our story begins...

Which dimension?

Power DistanceUncertainty Avoidance

Masculinity vs. Femininity

Individual vs. Collectivist

MAMA!!!! Someone is

at the door!!!

Which dimension?

Power DistanceUncertainty Avoidance

Masculinity vs. Femininity

Individual vs. Collectivist

Which dimension?

Power DistanceUncertainty Avoidance

Masculinity vs. FemininityIndividual vs. Collectivist

KNOCK

KNOCK!What?! Your wife isn’t cooking for us….?

Oh, that must be the pizza man!

Which dimension?

Power DistanceUncertainty Avoidance

Masculinity vs. Femininity

Individual vs. Collectivist

Oh, the child is eating with us…?

YES! Of course, why wouldn’t she?

Which dimension?

Power DistanceUncertainty Avoidance

Masculinity vs. Femininity

Individual vs. Collectivist

“Oh...maybe we should meet...a few times again before we sign?”

“Thanks for coming Mr. Kawasaki! When can we meet to sign the contract?”

1. In small groups, review the critical incident together.

2. Identify examples of the cultural dimensions reviewed.

3. Share with the whole group.

Group Activity

Think back to interactions you’ve had with people on campus. Could any of these dimensions have influenced the interaction?

Group Activity

Questions??

Contact Us!

● Amy Nicholas-Rostan anrostan@vcu.edu● Katharine Stoddard kvstoddard@vcu.edu● Check out our Smore flyer with tons of

information of intercultural communication, video, articles and more!○ https://www.smore.com/abjw5-intercult

ural-communication