CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY

Critical incident: So Many Adjustments, So Little Time (adapted from R. Brislin, 2000)  This is CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY You must identify critical cultural issues in the incident and then present a strategy to address any cultural conflicts and differences in the situation. Critical incident: So Many Adjustments, So Little Time (adapted from R. Brislin, 2000) Beth Smith worked in San Francisco, CA for an international bank that had branch offices in many of the world’s large cities. One day, her supervisor offered her a major position at the office in Tokyo, Japan. Beth discussed the possible move with her partner. They also talked to their two children, ages sixteen and eight. Family members agreed that it would be a good career move for Beth and so she reported her positive decision to her supervisor. Although Beth’s partner was leaving a high paying job, Beth and her partner hoped they both would be working once the family arrived in Japan. After arriving in Tokyo, Japan, Beth faced multiple demands on her time. She met and interacted with co-workers. She spoke with various Japanese supervisors to whom she would report. With her partner, she sought housing for the family and then schools for the two children. After the excitement of the first few weeks, Beth became irritable and unenthusiastic about the position in Tokyo, Japan. Coworkers noted that she was not very productive, and relations with her partner and children became strained at home. Things you will need to do: II. Respond to the items below: a. Describe the new cultural context and any challenges Beth and her family face in Japan (e.g., conflicts in the workplace, behaviors that may not fit or be consistent with social norms). b. Describe how Beth and her family might acculturate to Japanese culture. c. Describe symptoms Beth and her family may be experiencing due to cultural difficulties in their new country and the types of attributions people might make about Beth and her family. d. Describe how Beth and her family might resolve their situation. II. Respond to the items below: 12 points a. Describe the new cultural context and any challenges Beth and her family face in Japan (e.g., conflicts in the workplace, behaviors that may not fit or be consistent with social norms). b. Describe how Beth and her family might acculturate to Japanese culture. c. Describe symptoms Beth and her family may be experiencing due to cultural difficulties in their new country and the types of attributions people might make about Beth and her family. d. Describe how Beth and her family might resolve their situation. III. Citations and References: 2 points o Consistently cites in the text and includes references (2 points) o Inconsistently cites in the text and includes references (1 point)