Project Overview
In this project, you will reflect on your worldview and how it affects your understanding of the world around you. Then, you will research the culture of another country and share strategies for collaborating between and among cultures.
This work will help you practice cultural competency and awareness. These are important skills in the modern diverse workplace.
Competency
In this project, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following competency:
- Describe perspectives of more than one worldview in real-world interactions
Scenario
You work for Agua Sin Fronteras (ASF, or “Water Without Borders”), an international nonprofit. ASF works to provide access to clean drinking water, improve sanitation, and deliver health education programs. Globally, children living in urban poverty have little control over their water sources. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) awarded funding to ASF to work on solving this problem. ASF plans to use this money to expand its efforts into new countries.
Your supervisor, Sue Edge, asked you to be on a committee that recommends countries for ASF’s programs. These programs include the following:
- Building wells
- Installing water purification systems
- Creating educational materials about water health
Directions
- Committee Orientation ActivityThe committee leader, Ty Dalwave, wants the team to be aware of their biases when doing research. To build that awareness, he has asked everyone to reflect on their worldview by doing the following:
- Describe your worldview, including how it changes and forms.
- How do you view the world?
- How do you understand how the world works? How do you understand your purpose in the world?
- What assumptions, beliefs, and values affect how you explain the world, understand your circumstances, and live your life?
- How did your worldview develop? How has it changed over time?
- Explain how your worldview affects the way you interact and perceive others at work.
- How could your worldview affect your interactions with and perceptions of your coworkers?
- Describe your worldview, including how it changes and forms.
- Committee BriefNow that you’ve reflected on your worldview and its effect on how you navigate the world, you are ready to start researching. As a committee member, you will investigate the social, political, and cultural situations of another country and report what you learn to the group.
- Choose a country to research.Choose a country that you are not familiar with and would like to learn more about.Note: For this project, you should assume that ASF’s worldview is the same as your own. For this reason, you must investigate a country that’s different from your own.
- Research your chosen country.Use the Country Analysis Questions document to help you research your chosen country’s social, political, and cultural situations.If you would like to, you can do some of your own research beyond the country profiles information provided in the Supporting Materials section. Remember to use authoritative sources and cite them in your work.
- Explore how ASF could conduct operations in your selected country.The committee wants you to present your findings in a committee brief. Remember to assume that ASF’s worldview is the same as your own and base your responses on that. In your committee brief, include the following information:
- The name of your selected country
- A summary of the country’s geography, government, health, education, culture, economy, and history
- A discussion of how you think various groups in your selected country would perceive ASF’s work:
- What potential sources of conflict do you expect? Brainstorm and describe at least three.
- How do people in your own country interact in groups and at work? How does this compare to your selected country?
- Propose at least three actionable solutions to address potential conflict and foster collaboration. Consider the following question:
- If ASF started working in the country that you chose, what recommendations would you make to support collaboration and avoid conflict between differing worldviews?
What to Submit
Every project has a deliverable or deliverables, which are the files that must be submitted before your project can be assessed. For this project, you must submit the following:
- Committee Orientation ActivityReflect on your worldview and describe how it affects your interactions and feelings of others. This should be 250–500 words (about 1–2 pages).
- Committee BriefResearch and write a summary of the social, political, and economic situations of the country you chose. Then, discuss how ASF would be perceived in that country. Identify potential conflicts, and propose ways to reduce conflict and increase collaboration. Your committee brief should be 750–1,200 words (about 3–5 pages). Note: Do not submit the Country Analysis Questions document.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor responsible for creating assignments and assessing student performance in a medical college, I understand the importance of cultural competency and awareness in the field of healthcare. In this project, students are required to reflect on their worldview and how it influences their understanding of the world around them. They will also research the culture of another country and share strategies for collaborating between and among cultures. This project aims to develop their cultural competency skills, which are crucial for effective healthcare delivery in a diverse global setting.
Answer 1: Committee Orientation Activity
My worldview is shaped by my experiences, beliefs, and values. I view the world as a complex and interconnected system where individuals are influenced by a combination of factors such as genetics, environment, and socio-cultural aspects. I believe in evidence-based practice, where scientific research and clinical expertise guide medical decision-making. My purpose in the world is to contribute to the well-being of individuals by providing quality healthcare, conducting research, and educating future medical professionals.
My worldview affects the way I interact and perceive others at work. I strive to approach my interactions with empathy, respect, and open-mindedness, recognizing the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of my coworkers. Understanding that cultural differences can influence healthcare delivery, I make a conscious effort to adapt my communication and treatment approaches to meet the needs of individuals from different cultural backgrounds. I believe that collaboration and teamwork among diverse healthcare professionals are essential for providing comprehensive and patient-centered care.
Answer 2: Committee Brief
Country: Japan
Summary of Japan’s social, political, and cultural situations:
Japan is an island nation located in East Asia, known for its rich history, technological advancements, and unique cultural traditions. The country has a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, where the Emperor holds a ceremonial role and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The healthcare system in Japan is highly advanced and provides universal coverage to its citizens. Education is highly valued, and Japan has a strong emphasis on academic achievement.
Potential conflicts and perceptions of ASF’s work in Japan:
When considering how various groups in Japan may perceive ASF’s work, potential sources of conflict could arise due to cultural differences and differing worldviews. Japan has a collectivistic culture, emphasizing harmony and group cohesion. Therefore, the idea of an international nonprofit organization like ASF may need to adapt its strategies to align with local cultural expectations. Additionally, language and communication barriers could pose challenges for collaboration. Some individuals in Japan may also view foreign interventions with skepticism, preferring domestically driven solutions.
Proposed solutions to address potential conflict and foster collaboration:
1. Cultural Sensitivity Training: ASF should provide cultural sensitivity training to its staff members to develop an understanding of Japanese cultural norms, values, and expectations. This training will facilitate effective communication and collaboration between ASF and local communities.
2. Collaborative Partnerships: ASF should establish partnerships with local organizations, such as universities, healthcare institutions, and community groups. By working collaboratively with established entities, ASF can gain credibility and enhance its understanding of the local context.
3. Community Engagement: ASF should actively involve local community members in the design and implementation of its programs. This participatory approach will ensure that interventions are culturally appropriate and address the specific needs and preferences of the Japanese population. Engaging community leaders and stakeholders will also help build trust and promote sustainability.
In conclusion, understanding and considering cultural differences are essential when expanding operations into a different country like Japan. By promoting cultural sensitivity, establishing collaborative partnerships, and engaging local communities, ASF can navigate potential conflicts and effectively contribute to improving access to clean drinking water, sanitation, and health education in Japan.
