Cross-Cultural Collaboration
This Post reflects on Speakers Rachit Shah, a medical device designer, and Wilimi Dippenaar, the director of a non-profit organization in South Africa. Both speakers shared valuable insights from their experiences working in the global mental health sphere. Ms. Dippenaar shared key concepts regarding cross-cultural collaboration essential to the current work in the Child & Adolescent Global Mental Health course taught by Dr. Steele.
Cross-cultural collaboration requires honest communication and discussions surrounding perceptions of respect and honesty. Coming to an understanding of how each person classifies respect is crucial to developing effective outcomes. As collaborators, we must clearly distinguish between our attitudes and the ‘objective’ truths we adhere to. This separation is needed to ensure our efforts are driven by a commitment to impartial and well-founded information rather subjective perspectives or biases.
Ms. Dippenaar highlights that Western ideas and perspectives are not always viable solutions in many contexts. Having candid and considerate conversations regarding multicultural perspectives is essential to ensure an effective collaboration process. We must recognize how our perspectives have been fostered through a Western lens. We must not neglect differing opinions; we should embrace the opinions of those within the community we are working with rather than idolizing Western ideals. Through this process, we can develop meaningful work that makes a positive impact on the respective community.
To engage in meaningful cross-cultural work, it is also crucial to recognize the role that Western powers have played in the challenges that other countries face. Understanding the true impact of colonization is vital in finding trustworthy, sustainable solutions; this way, services can be created without repeating mistakes from the past. Developing a shared understanding of the work at hand and current perspectives from those in the community. Entering each conversation with an open mind and a genuine interest in the community’s well-being must be at the center of our work. We must listen to understand, and recognize that in these collaborations, we have more to learn than to teach. Building programs centered around the strengths of a community ensures sustainability in product outcomes.
Another prime element in cross-cultural work pertains to cultivating meaningful relationships, which is a paramount consideration. Establishing these relationships can constitute a gratifying and transformative undertaking, contributing not only to the formation of enduring friendships but also to the facilitation of effective project outcomes. While conducting this work, we must remember the relational nature of human beings, which will genuinely influence our work and friendships for the better.
