7 Summary

This week you have looked at social identity theory and the tendency for us to put people and things into groups. You have considered how everyone is capable of stereotypical thinking without realising it and you have had chance to look at some of the IATs on the Project Implicit website and identified any biases you have that you may not be aware of. Lastly you have considered tips for dealing with people from different cultures and how understanding broad cultural norms according to Hofstede’s scores can help communication.

You should now be able to:

• understand Tajfel and Turner’s social identity theory
• describe the difference between a stereotype, prejudice and discrimination
• recognise any stereotypes or prejudices you may hold
• understand how Hofstede’s dimensions of culture could help improve communication and working in a culturally diverse team.

In Week 7, you will encounter virtual teams. In this scenario, modern information technology is used to bring into contact a group of people who are scattered far and wide. This mode of working makes demands that are subtly different from those of traditional teamwork. You will learn about appropriate and inappropriate uses of technology. You will also see why clarity in communication and trustworthy behaviour become of paramount importance.

You can now go to Week 7 [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .