Cross-cultural competence looks at the capability to communicate effectively with people from distinct cultural groups. Even though the explanation differs, the foundation of cross-cultural competence is really a mix of knowledge, understanding, skill, and attitude (Jane Suderman, Understanding Intercultural Communication).
At the company level, cross-cultural competence refers to a set of values, principles, behaviors, attitudes, and guidelines that allow a workplace program to work efficiently cross-culturally (Cross, Bazron, Dennis, & Isaacs, 1989). At this time there are two major factors to look at in understanding cross-cultural competence: Cross-cultural competence is a constant learning process. Cross-cultural competence stresses effectiveness.
Benefits
The principal advantages for an organization incorporate: * Personnel really feel highly valued. * The firm is inviting to more diverse skill. * Cross-cultural competence aids the corporation reach a lot more diverse marketplaces.
Four Building Blocks Four vital building blocks can certainly help one realize cross-cultural competence: knowledge, cultural relativism, mindful observation, and empathy (idea based on Jane Suderman, Understanding Intercultural Communication).
(1) Cultural knowledge is not merely concerned with learning about other cultures; it also involves a close evaluation of an individual’s unique values and upbringings. This leads to an understanding of cultural differences.
In the office, understanding differences in cultural values and communication variations will help engender better solutions. If a staff new to Canada delays right up until the “last minute” to inform his supervisor that he couldn’t finish the assignment on time, he might be thought of as being deceitful or derelict in his job. The true reason could be that the new worker is scared of “losing face”. Individuals from China, India, and Mexico put much more “value” on “face”. There is a Chinese phrase, “do not ever strike a person in the face”. Harmony is generally much more valued in most of these cultures than in North America; to decline a request by saying “no” could also be challenging. Learning the distinction, a competent supervisor could possibly encourage a staff to express any concerns early, providing specific goals, and follow up with the employee frequently.
(2) Cultural relativism. Cultural relativism holds that cultures are different but equal; they exist because of their relevance to the people of their cultural group. Cultural relativism counterbalances ethnocentrism.
Confusion happens any time specific cultural routines are clashing with mainstream Canadian attitudes. Some feel that being culturally sensitive may possibly require us to give up ethical principles. This is really a misconception. The reason is that: we may not agree, however we have to be aware that there are other sets of ethical or moral principles (Jane Suderman, Understanding Intercultural Communication).
A line should be drawn between cultural relativism and excessive cultural relativism. The latter might accept violent behaviors which are illegal under Canadian law and would certainly be condemned in Canadian society.
(3) Organization leaders and HR professionals are well-positioned to analyze, develop, and implement long term cross-cultural competence strategies, guidelines, practices, and training. As communication is two way, cross-cultural training of both employers and employees is important.
(4) Cross-cultural competence can find its ideal building ground in shared respect, understanding, and inclusiveness. The principle of justice and fairness should be applied to everyone. There really should also be a sense of balance between diversity and unity. Five fingers are different but equal parts of a hand; yet one finger can’t lift a pebble (Hopi Indian Proverb).
The complete article was originally written for Financial Post, “Executive HR”, and was released on July 28, 2010.
Cross Cultural Training Toronto is a leading company in cross-cultural training and consulting. We are specialized in cross-cultural business solutions and how to do business in China.
Posted on 25 August '10, under Toronto. No Comments.
Whether you a home renovator or a do it yourselfer, you know the value of home improvements. The view from the outside of your home can require some improvements and to save on money, you can fix and manage issues with stucco and best way to resolve the problems.
Stucco has a number of uses that you can use to cover up minor to major issues. Often stucco is used for the outside of the home and also for the ceilings and walls. Stucco can repair and improve the looks of any home and cover up any blemishes.
Stucco can be purchased as a cement base or a synthetic based mixture. The cement stucco has the ability to breath, whereas the synthetic stucco or EIFS can sometimes have issues with trapping water and moisture inside walls and the wood framing of a home. This can cause unsightly mould and rotting wood.
Crushed gravel, cement and sand make up the consistency of stucco added with a gluing element, referred to as a binder, and water. When this mixture has been made up, application can be proceeded. Once finished application, it dries to a hard finished coating.
Unfortunately, not every building material is made perfect and has some downfalls. The downfall that stucco has is something called efflorescence. This happens when the stucco has absorbed water and then the water has evaporated, a film comes off and leaves flakes and dusty salt.
To fix this downfall, simply seal the area that is causing you grief. As long as the water is unable to be soaked up by the stucco, you will no longer have this issue.
Another issue that is common is that the stucco becomes chipped or even cracked in some areas on or in your home. Sometimes a home that has just been built recently will have this because of the shrinking of the lumber that was used to frame your home. Thankfully this can be fixed.
If you want to fix this for good, you will need to make sure that the home is in place and not going to shift from the weather or other elements that may be common for the area that you live in. To fix this you will need to start off by removing the extra chipped pieces of stucco. The most optimum time to do this is on a day that is overcast and cloudy. Prepare your stucco repair mixture by mixing together one bag of cement and two bags of sand and then add the water. Before you apply the mixture, add a bit of water to the area. And while using a sponge, rag or paint brush, cover the area with the stucco mixture. Continuing the same look that was previously there will give you the best results.
Stucco is a favourite for some home renovators and is known as being a versatile and useful material. You can manage issues with stucco and best way to resolve the problems are available at your fingertips.
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Posted on 6 August '10, under Toronto. No Comments.
Home improvements are an inexpensive way to improve the looks of your home, whether it is the inside or the outside. Road side appeal is a big factor for many people that are living in a home that requires upgrades and home improvements. Foundation and stucco issues can arise. How to manage issues with stucco and best way to resolve the problems are useful for any do it yourself renovator to know.
The most common places that stucco is used is for the ceilings, walls and the outer areas of a home. It has become very popular to use stucco to cover up unsightly blemishes that can easy and efficiently be fixed by applying stucco.
There are a couple of different forms of stucco. One of these is the cement stucco and the second type is made from a synthetic or man made material that is consisting of polymers. The second kind is also commonly known as EIFS. One of the issues that may arise with the synthetic type is that water may become trapped and unable to evaporate the same way that the cement kind can, because it is unable to breath. For that reason, it may cause water to become trapped in areas that will cause mould and rotting to occur to the wood framing of a home.
Stucco is made from a mixer of sand or crushed gravel or cement, a binder, and water. Once you have mixed water with the stucco, it is ready to apply and once it has been applied will become a hard and durable coat to its surface.
This durable material can be used to put over any unsightly areas that require fixing and improvements. But because of the elements and human error, it can have issues that may come up. One issue and a common one is efflorescence. That is when the stucco has absorbed water and once the water has evaporated away, there is a dusty white substance, left behind salt, that can fall off and be a nuisance.
To get rid of the dust and stop this from continuing, you will need to seal the area that is the problematic spot. If water can not get in, the salt left behind from the stucco mixer will stop.
Cracking and chipping are commonplace in some areas with stucco. With a new home, it can be happening because of the frame of the home shrinking. And if this is happening in an older home it can be because of the outer elements moving and shifting and also maybe from a poor application.
Keep in mind that if you want to fix this for good, your home will need to be in a place where it will not shift any longer. Then to fix this, remove any extra pieces of stucco. The best time to do this is on a cool and cloudy day. Mix together a bag of cement with a couple of bags of sand. Mix together with some water and you are ready to apply. Add some water to the damaged area and then apply the mixture, using an old brush or a sponge. Try to stick with the same look as what was there.
Stucco is a versatile and durable material that is a favourite amongst many a home renovator and you can manage issues with stucco and best way to resolve the problems. It offers an inexpensive solution to any home.
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Posted on 31 July '10, under Toronto. No Comments.
To put things as simply and bluntly as possible, we go into business to make money. With that as a purpose, it should follow that anything we are doing in our business that does not further that cause is inefficient and wasteful. This is a rather simplistic view, but it is useful when one approaches the question of how to optimize business processes.
Consulting firms around the world come into an organization with the assumed credibility to make the company work better and make a higher profit. To do that, they almost always begin with simple questions that we just normally do not think to ask ourselves, and they obtain surprising responses. It is from the amazing grasp of the obvious that we find the much discussed low hanging fruit, or simple fixes.
Management Consulting is the dedicated process of identifying that which should be eliminated and that which should be emphasized. An interesting approach frequently used in the initial assessment of an organization looks an awful lot like the company suggestion program. Most of these programs have the ubiquitous suggestion box affixed to the wall near each of the required bulletin boards with the safety material and company policies. While all the data affixed there are important, they are rarely paid much attention.
There is some special feel to having an outside consulting firm come in and ask employees what they would do to improve things around the business that elicits responses that the contributor would never write down and put in the suggestion box. It could be because they do not believe anyone ever checks the boxes, or that they think any suggestion put in it would be simply rejected or ignored. These internal suggestions are a gold mine for improving efficiency. If the idea itself is not spectacular, the fact that one of their ideas is being implemented gives motivation to ensure it works.
In sequence, the management consultant will likely request each section, group or directorate document every process they currently use. It is important to gather them all, no matter how insignificant, even the process for acquiring supplies, because everything that is done takes time and resources in some fashion. Once this difficult step has been accomplished the first round of efficiency sees the consulting firm experts helping managers identify which of the processes, if any, can be eliminated or combined.
The next part in assessment is to flow out each process, identifying step by step what needs to be done in each before the product or service is moved to the next. Identifying what is created in each part of the process ensure there is agreement on the beginning and end to each subset. Many management consultants will also have the team identify the time it takes in each place where it is possible to measure. Another round of removing waste is accomplished as obvious wasteful events become obvious in the mechanism of documenting them.
After this documentation is complete, it is time to allow all the employees and subordinate managers time to review what has been recorded. Here, more often than is expected, management consulting experts find disconnections between what leadership believes is happening and what is really occurring. In addition, those things that were eliminated as unnecessary in leaderships view often surprise the rank and file who were convinced they were necessary and took a lot of time and energy to accomplish.
AT this point it is imperative to capture thoughts and ideas about ways these final core processes might be attacked differently in order to make them faster, less expensive or unnecessary, be it whole processes or incremental pieces of the work. In this manner many companies have discovered how to optimize business processes without spending a tremendous amount of money, and improving morale and productivity at the same time.
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Posted on 11 July '10, under Toronto. No Comments.
Ontario is well known for several things; Niagara Falls, natural beauty and the city of Toronto. The Great Toronto area is a mixture of urban centers and unspoiled natural beauty so the opportunities for different experiences and activities are incredible. In just a short drive from the city you can be in the wilderness or enjoying the theme parks at Niagra. There are also small towns and cities with some unique charms.
Toronto is generally considered to be the cultural center of Canada and has the third largest theater scene in the world. The city is easily accessible and there is lots of information on the place where you are likely to start an adventure in the region. Toronto has some of the best shopping in the world with amazing markets and some of the oldest, largest shopping malls in North America. The waterfront is also a must for visitors, with tons to do all year round.
Niagra Falls can be accessed easily from the city and is a must see for a lot of people. The iconic horseshoe falls are not the only attraction at Niagra as there are now many theme parks, shows, events and parks there. At Niagra on the Lake you will find beautiful countryside with gastronomic treats. There is an abundance of wineries nearby and many different wine tours to take.
Burlington is usually considered to be a suburb of Toronto but is a separate town. It is a great place to escape the city crowds and enjoy Lake Ontario. You can hike along part of the Trans Canada Trail as it meanders along the shore of the lake and gives amazing views from the cliff tops. Along the way is the popular Spencer Smith Park with beaches, monuments and beautiful trees. In fact Burlington has six parks and Botanical gardens so nature lovers can really enjoy themselves. You could also take a boat tour or dinner cruises of the lake. It also has chances to experience local arts and history so can be a getaway in itself.
To experience some Canadian heritage you could head to Port Hope just east of Toronto city. It is thought to be one of the best preserved towns in Ontario with a picturesque high street. It also has lots of boutiques and unique shops and hosts many events. The area around the town is unspoiled so you can also enjoy nature. There is some great year round trout and salmon fishing in the Ganaraska River.
Nature lovers will find heaven in the Great Toronto area. It is so varied and unspoiled even close to the cities. For hikers and cyclists there are many miles of trails through the different landscapes. Alternatively you could take a boat trip across the lakes or along the rivers. For adrenalin junkies there are a number of places for white water rafting and other adventure pursuits. In the winter the landscape changes completely and you can go skiing or sledding.
If you want to time your visit with an event there are websites with comprehensive listings for the whole area. Annual events in the region include; boat festivals and races, art showings, music festivals, wine and food festivals and the Toronto Film Festival.
Vacations should be a time for relaxation, adventure and new experiences. These are all easy to find in the Great Toronto area.
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Posted on 30 June '10, under Toronto. No Comments.
If you are looking at needing to transport a large amount of materials then a dump truck would probably be your best answer. This will allow to keep everything running smoothly and in a timely manner. There are people that actually have their own truck available but, for most, renting a dump truck is a more affordable option of getting your work done.
However, there are a few things that you should consider when you need to get a dump truck rental for yourself. One of the first things and probably one of the most important would be the type of materials that you are looking transporting with the truck. These trucks come in a variety of different sizes and have the ability to carry a variety of different loads.
In knowing this, this is why it is so important to know the size of truck that you are going to need for your needs. You should try at all costs to avoid getting more truck than you actually need because you will find that you will have to pay a lot more than you may really need to. Also the time that you rent the truck will have an effect on how much in rental fees that you will pay in total.
When you begin to contact these rental companies be sure that you ask them about advice on how to drive the truck. This is mainly due to the fact that you will need to be qualified in order to drive the as they are a lot bigger than an average car.
You will also need to be sure that someone has the correct heavy equipment license or you can also ask the rental company if they are able to supply you with a driver as some companies do provide this service. However, you will need to be prepared to spend more because these drivers do come at an added expense.
Also you will need to be prepared to pay a deposit. You will have this deposit returned to you when you return the truck in the same condition as when it left the lot. Most generally the rental company will go over a check list with you about the truck. This includes making sure that the truck is clean upon returning. Also most of them will require you replace the fuel that you use.
There are a lot of different rules to renting a truck and each state has different rules. You need to be sure that you take the time to study your states rules before you even consider renting a truck.
So if you are looking at needing to transporting a large amount of materials than you should really consider renting a dump truck. You will need to be sure that you know the exact size of truck that you are going to need so that you are not overpaying. Also be sure that you have a licensed driver or if the company can supply one for you.
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Posted on 4 June '10, under Toronto. No Comments.
Updating your home can be a daunting task, window shutters can help make it a little easier. They add value and beauty to your home simply and affordably. If you want a little curb appeal, or just want your home to stand out from your neighbors homes, they may be just the thing.
Wood, aluminum and vinyl have dominated the market for many years. Before you make your final selection, take into account your climate and current siding and what will fit in best with your budget. Ease of installation can also make a difference in the purchase you make. Take a little time to research your options.
For centuries, people have used wood shutters. Unlike draperies, originally they were used primarily for protection against animals, pests, and weather. Placed on hinges so they could swing open or shut, they could be latched to remain in the chosen position. They were simple to open for sunshine during the day and close during the evening and night hours.
Most shutters now days are permanently affixed in the open position, without hinges, to the outside sides of the windows. They are purely for decorative purposes. Wooden shutters may way more that some of the other types, but they are also much easier to change to color of. Simply scrape and repaint in the chosen color.
One of the most popular forms of shutters are vinyl shutters. Their popularity is due to many reasons. For example, they tent to hold their color longer than wood and are much lighter in weight. This makes installing them much easier. They also tend to be less expensive, and for those that have to stick to a tight budget are a wise choice. Standing from a distance, they are quite beautiful, but if you have to get very close to them, they do look like cheap plastic. Vinyl shutters that are molded as one piece tend to be more durable and last longer.
Increasingly popular, aluminum shutters are seeing more use. They are becoming more cost effective and their maintenance is being decreased making them more attractive to the home buyer who doesn’t enjoy scraping and repainting very often. They also come in many different varieties and style to match any home, and they are literally available in hundreds of colors. For a truer color, they are powder coated. This also keeps the paint on longer resulting in long lasting beauty. If you choose aluminum for you window shutters, check the warranty carefully to make sure that the paint is also covered.
Whether you want the traditional look of louvered shutters, or are thinking about raised panels or even board and batter, you will find a wide variety of designs to choose from. Make sure the shutters you choose are going to complement your home the best. Also watch the color choice you make and take care to choose the perfect composition for your needs. After all, if you have recently restored your home, glaringly opposite shutters simply won’t work.
No matter if you are choosing new shutters for style or functionality, either inside the home or out, it won’t take long before you have found the perfect shutters for your home. Keep in mind the warranty when you are shopping. A little extra money spent on the warranty will go a long way when it is time to sell your home. You may find yourself as one of the few that have the hardest time simply choosing only one style!
The best draperies and shutters are just around the corner! Whether you are just looking for some privacy or a way to spruce up your windows, we have a wide selection of Toronto draperies and Toronto shutters for you to choose from. We offer excellent service and product for very good prices.
Posted on 16 January '10, under Toronto. No Comments.
If you looking for a holiday destination where you will find beaches as well a wonderful climate, then Toronto Harbour is the place for you. This harbour is basically located in Canada near the Lake Ontario. However, the grooming waves don’t disturb the harbour at all, thus making this place ideal for those who love peace.
Now you must be thinking that what makes this place so happening? Well, there are lots of reasons for it. This place has got all the features to be an ideal holiday destination. The extremely beautiful climate of this place makes the harbour look much more stunning. Not only this, the recreational activities work as an icing on the cake. Here you can do a lot of fun in terms of various water sports.
If you are a creative person and crave for art and films then also this place has got a lot to offer you. Every year in this harbour many festivals take place. And one of such festivals is the Toronto International Film Festival. Here you can witness some of the great works of the finest directors. Also, you can enjoy various other events out here. There are lots of ways in which you can explore this winter city.
If you are interested in parties and looking for some interesting parties at Toronto Harbour then enjoy the Caribana festival with your family and kids. This particular festival will force you to forget all sorrows and will make you party and dance.
Some of the other festivals which are performed at this place are Canadian exhibition of art and many more. So you can see there is a lot you can do at this beautiful waterfront area. Even if you want, you can enjoy the boat cruise ride at the harbour where you can host your private events also. Enjoy your holidays at the cruise with some great food. And of course! How can you forget the beauty of the harbour itself?
If you are worried about the kind of restaurants you will get at the harbour then you don’t need to worry at all. This place has got many restaurants where you can try all types of cuisines. This place will offer you various shops and markets where you can buy many souvenirs for your friends. The cruises will add up to your fun at that level where you will not feel like coming back from this place.
If you want to make your vacation memorable then don’t think much, just visit the Toronto Harbour and experience the fun.
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Posted on 16 January '10, under Toronto. No Comments.
Toronto, Ontario is a vibrant city that is home to a diverse population of people from all walks of life. Toronto citizens have recognized that many residents have specific needs. Many members of the community have established a wide range of groups and associations to represent the goals and needs of its citizens. Some associations are not-for profit and some are for-profit organizations. Every Toronto association has a common goal of improving the lives of Torontonians.
The following is a list of responsible associations in Toronto, Ontario:
1. Seniors and Caregivers Support Service Unit at Family Service Toronto: This association provides social support services to seniors and their caregivers. Their work involves education and training programs in such areas as accessing community resources, educational and training programs in anger and quilt, elder abuse, memory loss and aging…etc. They provide advocacy work, counseling, support group meetings, coping with debilitating conditions, stress, bereavement and more.
2. The Down Syndrome Association of Toronto: This not-for-profit association provides an informational and social support network for parents of children with Down syndrome as well as to teachers of students with Down syndrome. Their goal is to expose and correct myths about Down syndrome, encourage and promote valuable services for people who have Down syndrome, and help classrooms adjust to the integration of students with Down syndrome into regular classes, and organize events for Down Syndrome Awareness Week.
3. Toronto Vegetarian Association: This volunteer association provides information and support to people who are interested in making greener and healthier food choices. They promote the consumption of non-animal foods, provide educational materials about living a vegetarian life, and promote Toronto’s diverse vegetarian communities.
4. Canadian Diabetes Association Toronto Branch: This association provides educational material on diabetes, offers support groups, fundraises for diabetes research, advocates on behalf of people with diabetes, promotes early detection and prevention methods for the community, and provides services for people affected by diabetes.
5. Electronic Recycling Association, Toronto Branch: This association is a not-for-profit group working that helps individuals and businesses in the community to safely dispose of unwanted electronic items. They collect old electronics such as old computers for recycling and donate them back to the community such as local schools, libraries, senior homes, charities, and other community organizations. This is all done for free.
6. Strength To Walk In Freedom Together (S.W.I.F.T): This group is a non-profit organization that runs support groups for people in the community who are afflicted with social phobias, afflicted with depression, anxiety, substance abuse problems, and have marital problems. There are no fees for attending the support groups. There are 5 locations in the metro Toronto area.
7. Parents Without Partners – Toronto Chapter: This is a non-profit support group that offers programs for single parents and their children. The events, services, and programs, services offered by Parents Without Partners Toronto are run by volunteers who are single parents. They organize activities in the following areas: parent social activities, family and youth activities. The goal is to help single parents through difficult times and make new friends.
The city of Toronto, Ontario provides a wealth of resources for its citizens. The fundamental objective of these associations is to ensure that the needs of residents are being met.
Every socially responsible Toronto association strives to fulfill a good cause. If you are thinking about relocating to this prosperous city, you may want to learn more about the Toronto real estate market.
Posted on 16 January '10, under Toronto. No Comments.
Spas have been centers for beauty and health for hundreds of years. Many people believed that certain waters held healing properties, and there spas were built. Perhaps this is true, or perhaps it was a healthier climate, or perhaps it was the time spent in relaxation away from stress that really gave them health. Spas linger today, though the idea of a spa and beauty are more related.
Spas, on top of giving you a day off to get away from it all, spas offer a wide range of beauty treatments to help you look and feel your best. Massages are a must-have. Your soft tissues carry much tension built up from your day to day activities. You can carry it in all parts of your body, from your scalp to your feet. By relieving these knots, your entire body and confidence will recuperate.
Facials are another must-have. Here you can get better skin care than anywhere else, since special tools and treatments are too expensive for everyday use at home. These treatments include steaming your skin to open up the pores, extracting any clogs, and exfoliating the dead skin away. There are masks and peels to then minimize pores and cleanse. Finally, lotions can soothe your skin and make it glow.
The skin is only the beginning, though. Do not neglect other areas like your nails and hair. It is healthy for you to get manicures and pedicures. Waxing is also available to get rid of unwanted hair for longer periods of time than shaving. Women tend to get these treatments most often, but men are starting to come around on them, too.
The spas have a lot of health benefits, too. It is not all about the beauty. Mud baths, though they make your skin look nice, are also heavily relied upon as treatments for arthritis. They can relieve a lot of suffering. It is also an interesting experience that many people find to be a lot of fun.
Saunas and steam baths are another way to detoxify your system. These can also help you lose weight and feel better. The extreme heat can be dangerous, though, so only do treatments like this carefully. In fact, these spas are often built around sites with natural hot springs.
Trips to spas last a long time, too. This is mostly because they can get you into good habits. You can learn exercises like yoga. You can also plan your diet well with certified nutritionists and find plans that help you reach target weights or healthy living goals.
Concepts, spa and hair salon located in Toronto
Posted on 16 January '10, under Toronto. No Comments.