Identifying sensitive areas on intercultural contacts: An exploratory study

Abstract

This paper analyzes the negative influence that cultural friction areas can promote on intercultural contacts. First, we expose the critical incident method like cross-cultural training model (Arthur, 2001). Then we show the negative effects that sensitive cultural zones can exert on the formation of prejudices and stereotypes about culturally diverse groups, analyzing 77 critical incidents collected in two different formative contexts. The main cultural shock areas detected are a) intercultural communication barriers, b) gender roles, and c) the cultural expressions statement. Strategies to improve the method validity are proposed.