Navigating Power

Cross-Cultural Competence in Navajo Land

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Native American Studies, Ethnic Studies, Anthropology
Cover of the book Navigating Power by Gelaye Debebe, Lexington Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Gelaye Debebe ISBN: 9780739175705
Publisher: Lexington Books Publication: May 18, 2012
Imprint: Lexington Books Language: English
Author: Gelaye Debebe
ISBN: 9780739175705
Publisher: Lexington Books
Publication: May 18, 2012
Imprint: Lexington Books
Language: English

Interactions among individuals representing culturally dissimilar and politically unequal groups are a ubiquitous feature of modern life. Navigating Power: Cross-Cultural Competence in Navajoland by Gelaye Debebe is concerned with how these interactions affect task coordination in organizational settings. While much research has addressed the effect of cultural differences on these interactions, very little work has been done examining the role of political inequality.

Research suggests that cross-cultural breakdowns arise from differing cultural values and assumptions. Overcoming these breakdowns requires cross-cultural competence. This competence entails the ability to sustain a learner stance in the face of ambiguity, uncertainty, and negative or ambivalent emotional states. Cross-cultural learning is also viewed as a mutual process in which individuals examine their assumptions and jointly construct novel solutions. This book suggests that where power inequalities rooted in historical events are coupled with cultural differences, politically subordinate group members have a keen understanding of the dominant group culture. For them, the violation of historical sensitivities rooted in collective memories, and not cultural clash, are potent triggers for communication breakdown. Because of political inequality, mutuality is not a given in the learning process. Frequently there is a presumption that the knowledge and expertise of dominant group members is universal, better and legitimate. Faced with this situation, subordinate group members draw on power-based rules to interrupt the dominant postures of the politically powerful group.

To illustrate these dynamics, Navigating Power draws upon qualitative data from an inter-organizational relationship between an Anglo and Navajo organization. It focuses on two contrasting patterns of interaction, the first of which involves ignoring and suppressing context, and the second involves reading and writing context.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Interactions among individuals representing culturally dissimilar and politically unequal groups are a ubiquitous feature of modern life. Navigating Power: Cross-Cultural Competence in Navajoland by Gelaye Debebe is concerned with how these interactions affect task coordination in organizational settings. While much research has addressed the effect of cultural differences on these interactions, very little work has been done examining the role of political inequality.

Research suggests that cross-cultural breakdowns arise from differing cultural values and assumptions. Overcoming these breakdowns requires cross-cultural competence. This competence entails the ability to sustain a learner stance in the face of ambiguity, uncertainty, and negative or ambivalent emotional states. Cross-cultural learning is also viewed as a mutual process in which individuals examine their assumptions and jointly construct novel solutions. This book suggests that where power inequalities rooted in historical events are coupled with cultural differences, politically subordinate group members have a keen understanding of the dominant group culture. For them, the violation of historical sensitivities rooted in collective memories, and not cultural clash, are potent triggers for communication breakdown. Because of political inequality, mutuality is not a given in the learning process. Frequently there is a presumption that the knowledge and expertise of dominant group members is universal, better and legitimate. Faced with this situation, subordinate group members draw on power-based rules to interrupt the dominant postures of the politically powerful group.

To illustrate these dynamics, Navigating Power draws upon qualitative data from an inter-organizational relationship between an Anglo and Navajo organization. It focuses on two contrasting patterns of interaction, the first of which involves ignoring and suppressing context, and the second involves reading and writing context.

More books from Lexington Books

Cover of the book Mass Mediated Disease by Gelaye Debebe
Cover of the book Gender, Culture, and Physicality by Gelaye Debebe
Cover of the book Transcendental Guilt by Gelaye Debebe
Cover of the book Psychoanalysis in Britain, 1893–1913 by Gelaye Debebe
Cover of the book Transformative Student Experiences in Higher Education by Gelaye Debebe
Cover of the book Afrofuturism 2.0 by Gelaye Debebe
Cover of the book Age Norms and Intercultural Interaction in Colonial North America by Gelaye Debebe
Cover of the book Escaping Bondage by Gelaye Debebe
Cover of the book Environmental Sustainability and American Public Administration by Gelaye Debebe
Cover of the book Acceleration of History by Gelaye Debebe
Cover of the book Asians and Pacific Islanders in American Football by Gelaye Debebe
Cover of the book Racial Ambivalence in Diverse Communities by Gelaye Debebe
Cover of the book Amritsar 1984 by Gelaye Debebe
Cover of the book Yoko Tawada by Gelaye Debebe
Cover of the book Theology and Public Philosophy by Gelaye Debebe
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy