Improving interpersonal job skills by applying cross‐cultural training

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study that examined the effects of cross‐cultural instruction on the interpersonal job skills of students in secondary vocational programs. The findings indicated that students receiving the cross‐cultural instruction had significantly higher generalizable interpersonal relations skills achievement than students not receiving the instruction. It was recommended that cross‐cultural instruction be integrated into vocational and industrial training curriculum, including instructor training. Trainers should assist trainees in associating cultural awareness to their personal and professional success. A model is offered as a guide for developing generalizable interpersonal skills training materials for a diverse workplace. The model defines culture broadly, including gender and age. Examination of cultures within which the trainees are most familiar may assist in the understanding of more diverse differences between ethnic groups.