Cultural aspects of the search conference method.

The search conference is a method for dealing with complex multiparty issues in a constructive way. Although its primary objective is not framed as 'conflict handling', it can be useful as a mediation tool in situations that require an overall perspective and the participation of many different parties. This paper examines the cultural assumptions that underlie this method, referring especially to the reactions and behaviors of non-Western participants. Although our analysis of cultural assumptions will be broader, the empirical part will focus on Chinese participants. The first part of the paper discusses the search conference method from a cultural perspective. It describes the process as it is intended by the authors who developed the method, and elaborates its underlying assumptions. The second part of the paper consists of an empirical study of the reactions and behaviors of Chinese participants in two search conference simulations. Both observational and interview material will be used, as well as linguistic methods for the meaning of the concepts. The discussion focuses both on the assumptions regarding participating in the discussion, social norms and obligations, as on the different cultural meanings of concepts such as facilitating, consensus, collaboration and responsibility. Suggestions are made how the search conference may be made more culturally sensitive.Methods; Processes; Simulation; Studies;

Cultural Aspects of Immediacy in an Asian Classroom Context

Among the various factors affecting students’ learning, immediacy is probably the one that has been most studied over the last four decades. Immediacy, a term coined by Mehrabian (1967), refers to verbal and nonverbal behaviours used by interlocutors to decrease physical and physiological distance between them, thus creating affinity, liking and affect. However, a number of questions arise as to the suitability of the various immediacy scales and their cultural significance in a non U.S. context, such as Hong Kong. Furthermore we were interested in possible differences in teachers’ perception based on students’ motivation. This paper presents the first part of an immediacy study, based on students of the Department of English of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (looking into mapping patterns of behaviours that increase immediacy). The results indicate that Hong Kong students prefer the holistic approach of the Chinese traditional teacher, a teacher who goes beyond just teaching in class, and that nonverbal actions are not high in their list of preferred behaviours in teachers, such as gestures, walking around the classroom or standing close to students (unlike what has been observed among U.S. students)

Cultural Aspects of Trade Dispute Resolution in China

The increased level of economic interaction in the Pacific Rim region has brought with it a corresponding increase in the number of potential trade disputes. This paper describes a conceptual and methodological framework for examining cultural aspects of trade disputes and presents several case studies involving the People’s Republic of Chinatrade sector

Cultural Aspects of a Patient\u27s Symptomatology: A Case Report

Culture influences numerous aspects of human experience including behavior, beliefs, values and attitudes. A case report is presented emphasizing how cultural manifestations of a psychiatric illness may materially affect presentation of symptoms, illness perception, and explanatory model of illness of a patient. Cultural background is explored to offer improved rapport and patient care