Intercultural Relations: Communication, Identity, and Conflict

by Gary R. Weaver

With modern global communications and transportation and the international nature of politics and commerce, almost every organization requires executives and managers who can deal with people of all cultural backgrounds. This is also true within countries due to the steady flow of people across national borders and the domestic growth of multicultural workforces. Understanding other cultures and developing skills for more effective cross-cultural communication is increasingly more important in the culturally interdependent world of today and tomorrow.

Genres: Grad School

308 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2013

Reviews

[Brian Hilliker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am actually recommending a textbook! This book balances primary source material with engaging analysis from the author. Each section contained practical information on communicating with different cultures. This book made me re-consider what American culture is, and how it should fit into a global picture. Weaver does not neglect or demonize America. Instead, he encourages Americans to hold onto their cultural uniqueness while also building realistic cultural empathy (i.e. understanding other cultures without losing your own identity). Additionally, Weaver appears to showcase a common-humanity understanding of justice and human rights. Weaver encourages dialogue and understanding instead of painting individual groups as "the enemy." This book will remain with me as a seek to travel and experience the world.

The only caveat I would make is that Weaver does rely a bit on Freudian theory in the beginning sections of this book. Since Freudian theory contains a plethora of pitfalls and dead-ends it is hard to give this textbook a glowing 5 star rating. However, I do not think you need to agree with Freud to appreciate the depth this book has to offer.