Arguing that there exists among members of all societies a "cultural cruise control" that dulls our sensitivity to different ways of perceiving and reacting to members of other groups, Thomas (international management, Simon Fraser Univ., Vancouver, BC) and Inkson (management, Univ. of Otago, New Zealand) offer a set of techniques to develop skills useful in overcoming biases and fostering better intercultural communication. These techniques are highlighted via examples of business exchanges in which communication is initially less than effective but that may be improved through increased sensitivity to cultural differences with an emphasis on the new field of mindfulness. Narrator Dave Clark does a workmanlike job but ultimately is simply reading a textbook.
VERDICT Oddly, while warning listeners not to stereotype other cultures, the authors frequently do just that. Aside from touting mindfulness as a valuable tool in the arsenal of intercultural understanding, there is very little new here that seems beyond the reach of good manners and common sense. Recommended for international business people lacking such.
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