Other cultures may feel the “ arm ’ s length ” approach to be uncomfortable and downright unfriendly . As a training specialist working in a multicultural environment , one can be sensitive to the space issue by not becoming overly offended nor threatened when feeling your space is being “ invaded .” You may be dealing with someone who has a different “ measurement ” of space . Try not to take this issue too seriously . In southern European countries , for example , the personal space distance is greatly reduced compared to that in America . Initially , when someone invaded my “ space ,” I would back up a step or two . Of course , the person talking with me would move right along with me ! Now , if a quizzical expression appears on my companions ’ face , I laugh ; say that I am an American , and that we have a different concept of our personal space . I have found others are generally sympathetic and usually make an effort to keep a little more distance ; for at least a few minutes ! Having a sense of humor and being flexible really helps in these situations .
( i ) Awake July 8 1996 pg 5 ( ii ) Intercultural Interactions A Practical Guide , by Kenneth Cushner and Richard W . Brislin pg 8 ( iii ) Basics of Intercultural Communication ASTD Sept 1990 , Issue 9009 , pg 4 ( iv ) Improving Intercultural Interactions : Modules for Cross-Cultural Training Programs by Richard W . Brislin and Tomoko Yoshida , pg 6 ( v ) Basics of Intercultural Communication ASTD Sept 1990 , Issue 9009 , pg 3
MINTA NIXON , HR WFP HQ Rome , ITALY – Freelance Project Manger & Consultant Minta , an American Citizen , has over 20 yrs HR experience with UN World Food Programme ( WFP ). She worked at the WFP Headquarters in Rome Italy between 1990 and 2007 , where her position of HR Manager included Career Development ; International Recruitment of Professionals ; Workforce Analysis ; Performance Appraisal , etc . When she relocated from Italy to California , USA , in 2007 Minta continued as an external consultant for WFP overseeing numerous HR related projects as Project Manager . Working in a multicultural environment , managing a multi-national and multi-ethnic workforce , first-hand living experience as an expatriate in Europe , and travelling for work on missions to numerous EMEA countries has given Minta fist hand insight into the multi-faceted and complex cross cultural issues any Trainer of a multicultural workforce is bond to encounter . Minta is currently a Freelance Consultant both for UN and World Bank Group , Washington DC .