CultureGPS

I was researching Cultural Communication and how different businesses and people interact within each type of 'culture' when I stumbled upon a new application that the iPod and iPhone now have. Created by Professor Geert Hofstede this application is called the CultureGPS and it allows you to access more than 100 different countries/regions around the world to inform yourself as to how these different cultures act and why.

I personally think it's a smart idea because not many people are well informed of the many different cultures around the world and it helps us break barriers whether it's within a business or on a vacation. Whatever we are doing where ever we are, we are able to access such vital information about cultural communication and risk any offenses to others.

This application was formed through extensive research by Professor Geet Hofstede, and his group of researchers, who analyzed the various different cultural backgrounds, national values and practice worldwide. After such research they developed a validated 5-dimension model which explains cultural differences in a unique and powerful manner.

To explain a little more about the CultureGPS application here is a direct quote from the webpage:

CultureGPS is a tool for the iPhone and iPod Touch that enables you to analyze behavior differences in intercultural encounters an d to predict to a certain degree, which interactions evolve when people from different nationalities meet and work together.

CultureGPS will help you analyze, understand and handle cultural differences in a business context.

http://www.culturegps.com/About.html


Understanding another person's culture is key to success in any form of relationship, it is a sign of respect. Being helped in navigating through intercultural differences is such an important aspect in our lives today, and the future, because we live in the age of 'technology'. The age where you have access to anyone anywhere in the world with a touch of a few simple buttons.


Nada Kabbara