CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE - A TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY CAPABILITY
Essential skills for cross-cultural interaction
Cultural intelligence is a critical ability for the twenty-first century. Globalization has led to increased inter-cultural interaction. Border crossings, both physical and virtual, make re-framing of mindsets a key skill in a myriad of contexts – professional, educational, social, official and casual. Seeing a need to develop students’ sensitivity towards, and respect for cultural differences, the School of Interdisciplinary Studies has initiated a series of developmental opportunities.
Industry Speakers
Speakers from industry with relevant CQ expertise have been invited to give talks to NP students. Mr Shenton Sng conducted a talk for CQ students on "Challenges in Managing Talent for Global Business".
Level 1 developmental opportunities
Using student-directed, experiential approaches, Level 1 students explore, investigate and share their findings on cultural differences uncovered through interviews and research. Through activities and assignments, students become aware of cultural perspectives and learn to appreciate diversity in mindsets and behaviours. Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is a significant aspect of Communication and Contemporary Issues, and CQ @ Work. Both modules are categorized as Prescribed Development Areas.
With effect from the October 2011 semester, a Cultural Intelligence Profiling instrument will be administered to first-year students through a Level 1 module. On-line feedback will be provided to inform students of their strengths and point to ways to grow their Cultural Intelligence.
Level 2 developmental opportunities
In Level 2, students who take foreign language electives such as Basic Conversational Japanese and Basic Conversational French will be able to explore different cultures, cuisines and lifestyles. Other modules like Insight into India and Malay Society foster appreciation of socio-cultural diversity as well as influences that shape business, economic development and the arts.
Level 3 developmental opportunities
In preparation for entry into the marketplace or for further education, final year students continue to refine their cultural understanding through selected topics in compulsory or elective modules. For example, they explore the effects of globalization and diversity issues in human communication, negotiation or managing people. World Issues: A Singapore Perspective, a third year module, gives students a platform to discuss global issues and expose them to the importance of diplomacy in international and local contexts.