Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Culture is:
The set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of society or a social groupIt encompasses, in addition to art and literature, lifestyles, ways of living together, value systems, traditions and beliefs. Culture is at the heart of contemporary debates about identity, social cohesion, and the development of a knowledge-based economy.(UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity 2002).
Cultural diversity is:
The uniqueness and plurality of the identities of the groups and societies making up humankind.(UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity 2002).
Significant events may include:
cultural
economic
historical
physical and geographic
political
religious.
Key characteristics ofbusiness systems may include:
legislative and economic structure
public and private company ownership
market access
trade and other business agreements
cultural, religious and secular influences
participation profile and levels.
Cultural differences in business behaviour may include:
communication styles:
differences in tentativeness and politeness, confidence and assertiveness
gender differences and acceptance
value given to, and conventions for, questioning of knowledge
ways of arguing (e.g. linear and direct, non-linear and indirect)
concepts of competition and fairness
pedagogical models and practices
stakeholder roles and power relationships.
Business practices may include:
acceptability of conflict and mechanisms for conflict resolution
communication channels and modes
industrial relations
legal and ethical practices
maintaining 'face'
negotiations
protocols
relationships.
Cultural norms in the workplace may include:
communication practices
levels of formality
pedagogical practices
roles and relationships.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
applying cross-cultural knowledge and protocols
effectively communicating with diverse groups and individuals in the work environment
knowledge of communication styles and methods, and cultural protocols for use with people from a range of backgrounds.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
activities are related to a business context
access to workplace context in which cross-cultural communication and negotiation skills are required.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate in researching issues in business
evaluation of supervisor's reports on how the candidate applies knowledge of culture and cultural diversity
analysis of projects, responses to problem-based case studies/related tasks, completed records and reports developed by the candidate
review of analysis of interaction between the key elements of culture and cultural diversity
review of evaluation of business practices in selected countries
evaluation of formal and informal coaching and training strategies applied to improve organisational cross-cultural communication practices and strategies
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of personal cultural assumptions shaping expectations and outcomes.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example, with other units in the qualification in which this unit is packaged.