Customer Reviews

Cultural Intelligence: A Guide to Working with People from Other Cultures

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3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Cultural issues are not a new topic, but this book is so well written that it quickly becomes an interesting read and valuable learning tool for almost all of us, because of the world we live in, now and in the future. The author begins by explaining the importance of cultural intelligence for many of our business and personal interactions (with people from other ethnic groups at home and around the world), then listing what to expect (how the book is organized and why), and finally presenting a wealth of information about the topic (with vivid examples of how to apply it to our daily lives). Those examples are a clear indication that the author has accumulated his knowledge through wide reading, a variety of teaching contexts, and comprehensive practical experience in the field. The book identifies common cross-cultural dilemmas and offers practical solutions by outlining primary principles as a foundation for decision-making and describing how individual differences must be considered. The use of continuums throughout the book, and in the tool The Peterson Cultural Style Indicator, ensures that the reader understands and effectively uses the concept of Gray, versus Black and White, in human relationships. A good summary is the equation presented of Cultural Intelligence: Knowledge about Cultures + Awareness (of self and others) + Specific Skills (behaviors).

Imagine a guidebook that helps you navigate the uncharted lands of strange cultures or, at least, cultures that seem strange to you. Author Brooks Peterson is less concerned with social advice than he is with explaining how to manage broad cultural differences and avoid cultural egocentrism. While he soundly reviews measures of cultural differences, such as cultural scales, he avoids delving into complex, abstract theories with little practical application. His clearly written book treats all cultures objectively, covering broad tendencies without venturing into cultural generalities. He alerts you to the nuances of other cultures and your own. We strongly recommend this book to anyone who interacts with the values of other cultures on a regular basis - and, these days, that's just about everybody.

I am a professor of cross-cultural communication and have used this book for two semesters. The reason why I use it is because it has nice pictures, very simple English and graphs to help explain the issues of culture and I teach in English to ESL students. I give it to them as a "break" from the other heavier readings that we cover. The very sad part about this book is that when one knows the field, it is difficult to read someone talking about ideas that come from others and to not cite anyone, not anyone. Peterson does not even include a bibliography. To me, this is a serious lack of respect to those that have come before him in the field.

Excellent book for expats. I am currently working in a international school and found the material relevant in my setting as well as helpful. The author gives ample illustrations to help the reader understand the subtle differences in each of our cultures. An easy and enjoyable read. Well done!

A book like this really should site the sources for this information. It obviously relies on a lot of other work.

Cultural intelligence is an excellent primer for students, business people, or those simply interested in other cultures. It provides an excellent introduction to interacting with foreign cultures and gives some great tips on how to do so successfully. It's written in simple, easy-to-follow language and is a quick read.

Good book!! A MUST read if one is interested in fostering a kinder/gentler understanding of others and their respective different cultures. MUTUAL RESPECT & TOLERANCE is a product of EDUCATION, and this book provides an excellent opportunity to accomplish that!!

I have been working for over three decades and up until 2 years ago was blissfully ignorant of the joys and tribulations of working with people from another nation. I was sent to the UK for two weeks and returned home extremely frustrated as I felt that we had gotten nothing done. As long as I was there I was planning on getting done what I thought I had been sent to do. In typical fashion, when on a deadline (mine not theirs), I was expecting to work late and on the weekend. Well no, they left on time and definitely were not working the weekend. Hmmm. Really enjoyed working with them but my rush was definitely not their rush. But enough of that...now this little gem would have helped to set the stage for that trip and I only wish I would have had it to prepare me somewhat for working with people who speak the same language but approach work with a different attitude. It is eye opening and I know it will help in the future as I am exposed to other cultures and nationalities.

This book is an excellent introduction to cultural awareness. Though it is not a comprehensive guide to understanding the nuances of all cultures, it is an engaging read that teaches the reader "how to think" about culture, rather than "what to think".

provided good examples of pitfalls and best practices in working with people from different cultures