Cross cultural sensitivity is the quality of being aware and accepting of other cultures. This is important because what seems acceptable in some countries can be rude or derogatory in others.

A person who is culturally sensitive is aware that there could be differences between their culture and another person’s, and that these differences could affect their relationship and the way they communicate with each other. A culturally sensitive person would understand other countries’ traditions and ways of life, or attempt to learn and apply new understandings. Importantly, culturally sensitive people attempt to be free from prejudices and preconceptions about other cultures.

Importance

Cross cultural sensitivity is seen as an essential skill in today's world. Many employers see it as an essential skill. Cross cultural awareness is important when dealing in international relations or trade. It can mean the difference between a brand succeeding or failing in international markets.

Cross cultural sensitivity is an important skill in any profession that requires interpersonal communication. People in these professions need to be aware of the cultural factors that may affect others.

It is important as a traveller as well, knowing what is acceptable and what is not is a vital skill. When travelling to different countries in which one is unfamiliar it is always best to do research prior to travelling. This can help prevent the embarrassment of yourself and those around you.

Being cross-culturally sensitive

Being cross-culturally sensitive is important, however, it is not as easily done as it is said. Having cross-cultural competence

Cultural competence

Cultural competence refers to an ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures, particularly in the context of human resources, non-profit organizations, and government agencies whose employees work with persons from different cultural/ethnic backgrounds.Cultural competence...

 requires research to gain a better understanding and an informed view of the culture. Working with people of different cultures and ethnic groups helps people become cross-culturally aware.

Many travel guides contain information about the culture and traditions of the country covered. This can help you gain a better understanding of how to behave during your stay in that country.

Examples

Examples showing the importance of Cross Cultural Sensitivity and awareness are:

An American Company that manufactures golf balls packaged the balls in packs of four. They were successful and began selling internationally. However they were not so successful in Japan, where the number four holds the meaning of death.

In 2002 Unity College, Murray Bridge

Unity College, Murray Bridge

“How good and pleasant it is where God’s people live in Unity” -Psalm 133:1 Unity College is a Lutheran school in Murray Bridge, South Australia. Unity teaches students from reception to year 12. There are 970 students currently enrolled at Unity College...

 began a Student Exchange Program with Chuo University Suginami High School

Chuo University Suginami High School

Chuo University Suginami High School 中央大学杉並高等学校 is a high school in Tokyo, Japan, by Chuo University, a mainly law school.-History:Chuo Suginami was established by Chuo University as a feeder school. The first principal, Suzuki Takashi, a literature professor, opened the school in early 1963. In...

 in Tokyo, Japan. This program has been extremely successful due to the both school's focus on Cross Cultural Awareness. This type of program is one of the many examples of Cross Cultural Awareness having a large positive effect on any group of people.

Cross Cultural Sensitivity is illustrated in the 1992 Comic Series Harvey & Norma by Jason Guist. In the now infamous edition, Harvey and Norma's World Travels, Harvey finds himself incarcerated after climbing atop a golden statue of Buddha

Buddha

In Buddhism, buddhahood is the state of perfect enlightenment attained by a buddha .In Buddhism, the term buddha usually refers to one who has become enlightened...

. It was Harvey's lack of Cross Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness that caused this clear act of degradation of something holy. This act was repeated on the poster for the movie Hollywood Buddha. This caused great protest in Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Burma where the poster was shown.

Multiculturalism

The term multiculturalism

Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism is the appreciation, acceptance or promotion of multiple cultures, applied to the demographic make-up of a specific place, usually at the organizational level, e.g...

generally refers to an applied ideology of racial, cultural and ethnic diversity within the demographics of a specified place, usually at the scale of an organization such as a school, business, neighborhood, city or nation.

Due to immigration (including increased acceptance of refugees), countries are increasingly becoming multi-cultural societies. Foreigners bring trade that can be conducive to increased economic activity, but it can also lead to social pressure and stressors from changes in population dynamics.