Cross-cultural competency is a critical skill in today’s global economy, but what exactly does it mean? It is often misinterpreted as being the same as international etiquette. If you are on a business trip to Japan, for instance, it is helpful to know that the Japanese use silence as a tool to preserve harmony during a difficult point in the conversation. But although cross-cultural competency pays homage to international etiquette, it is a far broader concept. As a professional with a leadership role in higher education, cross-cultural competency is central to furthering your mission.
