Evaluating Intercultural Behaviour

Born and bred in Singapore, I have always prided myself on being culturally aware and tolerant. Coming from the multicultural cosmopolitan city, I thought I knew it all until an experience in the US taught me otherwise.

While I was on summer exchange in the US, some friends and I went sightseeing in San Francisco. It was not the most pleasant trip as my luggage bag had given way prior to my landing there. After painstakingly dragging my luggage up the numerous uphill streets and depositing it at the hostel, we left to explore the place. That was when we happened to chance upon a luggage bag shop on the way. I still remember being surprised that the owners were Chinese. After looking around, I decided to purchase one of the luggage bags but realized I had not brought enough cash with me. I approached the shop owner and asked her what time they would close the shop. I knew I had said something terribly wrong when her friendly face contorted with fury and she started shouting at me furiously in Chinese. I was taken aback and left speechless. I was embarrassed as the other customers in the shop had started gathering to see what the commotion was about. I did not even understand why or what she was scolding me for. My friends apologized to the lady and hurriedly ushered me out of the shop. They later explained to me that the Chinese never ask such a question as it is considered inauspicious and signals that the business will not run well anymore. My reaction to their explanation was anger at the unjust way the lady had behaved towards me. Did she not know that I was not Chinese and that I would not know their cultural taboos?

Though till this day, I have not found the answers to those questions, I have come to terms with the fact that when it comes to culture one can never know it all and that intercultural communication is a very delicate subject. My innocent question asked for the practical purpose of knowing the time the shop would close carried a negative connotation in someone else’s culture. It was after this experience that I truly realized the vulnerability of all intercultural relationships.

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Drive the recruitment process by actively sourcing for talent in the related fields
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Degree in any Discipline, preferable Degree in Science (Chemistry, Applied Science, Lifescience, Business, Human Resource, etc)
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APPLICATION LETTER DRAFT #2

Divya Dharshini Harikrishan

Block 340, Woodlands Avenue 1

#11-585, Singapore 730340

(65)90110498

augustaries_88@hotmail.com

February 5, 2010

Dear Ms Wong,

In response to your ad on the JobStreet website, I would like to apply for the position of Recruitment cum Human Resource Officer. I have just graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelors Degree (First Class Honours) in Lifescience and believe that I possess the necessary credentials for the job. This job appealed to me as I am very much interested in Human Resource and I enjoy working with healthcare professionals.

The biomedical curriculum I have undergone as well as the undergraduate research project I was involved in have given me ample opportunities to work with representatives from Pharmaceutical companies and healthcare workers. This puts me in a good position to be recruiting healthcare workers as I will be able to spot talent in the specific science fields.

Serving as the Secretary for the Red Cross NUS Chapter AY09/10 has allowed me to come into close contact with various professionals in the healthcare department. These contacts I have formed over the years will allow me to network with them, understand the current market trend and actively source out for potential candidates.

I also held the position of Human Resource Director for Project RICE, one of the major Red Cross projects. As the HR Director I had to source out and recruit over 300 committed volunteers. Conducting volunteer briefings and entertaining their queries has honed my communication and interpersonal skills. Working on numerous projects as part of a team has made me a good team player. However, the added individual responsibilities has allowed me to develop as a confident, independent worker.

In addition to these practical experiences, the business modules I have completed in NUS accord me the knowledge needed in developing business models or plans for your company.
My qualifications are well suited to the goals and expectations of your company. I welcome an opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills can be of service to your company. I thank you for your consideration and look forward to meeting with you.

Yours Sincerely,

Divya Dharshini Harikrishan

Signature

Divya
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Solution to Interpersonal Conflict

This was a real interpersonal conflict that I experienced and I did manage to somewhat resolve it.

This is what I did:

1. I approached the teacher again to explain to her clearly the circumstances under which I had allowed the students to behave as such.

2. I assured her that there was no problem with the discipline of the class.

3. I asked her to give me advice on how to deal with them in case they got rowdy in the future.

4. I readjusted my teaching style and adhered somewhat to the rules that she laid down without cramping my style too much.

All in all, we did part on a good note. Though she still was not fully happy with me doing things my way, she seemed to accept the fact that I preferred to do things differently and let me be.