CULTURE AND POWER!

PERCEPTIONS, CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION, AND OTHER CULTURAL FACTORS THAT IMPACT EMPLOYEE SUCCESS, POLICIES, SYSTEMS, AND PROGRAMS

The perception of power is a cultural phenomenon. Different cultures accept the dynamic of power in very different ways. Some accept unequally distributed power as a natural part of the professional world, where other cultures engage and view that power is equal among contributors. This cultural concept is known as power distance. When in a “high power distance” culture, the relationship between bosses and subordinates is one of dependence. When in a “low power distance” society, the relationship between bosses and subordinates is one of interdependence. Knowledge of how you and your team perceive power and accept structure will impact the ease of communication and affect leadership style choices. Culture is a powerful dynamic that helps us understand and be more specific about relationship conflicts and triumphs.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Increase professional development, awareness, and communication strategies.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

a) Examine specific tools for organizing material

b) Practice ways to present technical information

c) Deliver and design a short presentation

d) Explore mental coaching techniques to address fear

e) Identify best practices of visual aids (i.e., PowerPoint)

MODERATOR: Kia Silver Hodges, Corporate Manager, Diversity Recruitment Programs, Northrop Grumman Corporation

PANELISTS: Delores Alexander, Director, Supplier Management IT, The Boeing Company;

Carl Brooks, Operations Manager/Advanced Interconnects & Multilayer Solutions, Northrop Grumman Corporation

Shanna Travis, Administrator, United State Department of Treasury