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Bridge the Culture Gaps: A toolkit for effective collaboration in the diverse, global workplace
The essential guide for working in diverse teams and across cultures today.
This practical self-help guide will optimize the performance of individuals and teams working in an intercultural environment. By increasing awareness of the nature and impact of diversity in the workplace and national cultural differences, it demonstrates how to use the power of difference to achieve positive results for all.
Learn how to mitigate unconscious bias to create inclusive organizations and how to use key cultural dimensions to communicate and cooperate in intercultural teams. Addressing the unique challenges of influencing across cultures and managing international transformation projects, this is an indispensable toolkit for a key competence in business.
Leading interculturalist Robert Gibson challenges conventional ideas and makes new connections between culture, diversity and neuroscience in this modern guide for anyone working virtually or together in a diverse team or international business. Use these simple and proven approaches for better communication, collaboration, leadership and decision making in today's globalized workplace.
This practical self-help guide will optimize the performance of individuals and teams working in an intercultural environment. By increasing awareness of the nature and impact of diversity in the workplace and national cultural differences, it demonstrates how to use the power of difference to achieve positive results for all.
Learn how to mitigate unconscious bias to create inclusive organizations and how to use key cultural dimensions to communicate and cooperate in intercultural teams. Addressing the unique challenges of influencing across cultures and managing international transformation projects, this is an indispensable toolkit for a key competence in business.
Leading interculturalist Robert Gibson challenges conventional ideas and makes new connections between culture, diversity and neuroscience in this modern guide for anyone working virtually or together in a diverse team or international business. Use these simple and proven approaches for better communication, collaboration, leadership and decision making in today's globalized workplace.
- GenresNonfiction
224 pages, Paperback
Published November 11, 2021
19 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Robert Gibson
10 books2 followersRobert Gibson is an interculturalist with over 30 years' experience of intercultural competence development in business and education.
He worked for 18 years at the multinational engineering corporation Siemens where he led an international team of specialists providing intercultural services for individuals, teams, and organizations worldwide. He has taught at the University of Munich (LMU), Ingolstadt School of Management and Bologna Business School.
Robert is a former Vice-President of SIETAR Europa and a member of the Advisory Board of SIETAR Deutschland. His publications include over 70 articles for the magazine Business Spotlight; his latest book 'Bridge the Culture Gaps' will be published by Nicholas Brealey/Hachette in November 2021.
He worked for 18 years at the multinational engineering corporation Siemens where he led an international team of specialists providing intercultural services for individuals, teams, and organizations worldwide. He has taught at the University of Munich (LMU), Ingolstadt School of Management and Bologna Business School.
Robert is a former Vice-President of SIETAR Europa and a member of the Advisory Board of SIETAR Deutschland. His publications include over 70 articles for the magazine Business Spotlight; his latest book 'Bridge the Culture Gaps' will be published by Nicholas Brealey/Hachette in November 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 2, 2022
Thank you, Nicholas Brealey Publishing, for the advance reading copy.
Broadly devided into ten short crisp chapters, this book focuses on intercultural environment in order to bridge cultural gaps and help us perform better if we feel it is a setback for us.
For someone like me who can totally relate to this situation as I work with people from different cultural backgrounds, I can feel and understand what the author is talking about.
I find the book to be really thorough and impressive right from the very beginning as it leads the reader with what the book is about giving clear aims and target with special features.
The reader will find the book totally practical and easy to follow/understand given the perfect setting for each chapter starting with great suitable quotes, asking key questions and apt exercises.
I appreciate the presentation in such a convenient manner to be accessible for all age groups. Also, I find the different scenarios described as examples with models the best parts of the book.
For someone who's looking forward to build connections and expand their experiences, this book is a must have.
I am planning to keep a physical copy of this book and recommend it to someone in need as well.
Broadly devided into ten short crisp chapters, this book focuses on intercultural environment in order to bridge cultural gaps and help us perform better if we feel it is a setback for us.
For someone like me who can totally relate to this situation as I work with people from different cultural backgrounds, I can feel and understand what the author is talking about.
I find the book to be really thorough and impressive right from the very beginning as it leads the reader with what the book is about giving clear aims and target with special features.
The reader will find the book totally practical and easy to follow/understand given the perfect setting for each chapter starting with great suitable quotes, asking key questions and apt exercises.
I appreciate the presentation in such a convenient manner to be accessible for all age groups. Also, I find the different scenarios described as examples with models the best parts of the book.
For someone who's looking forward to build connections and expand their experiences, this book is a must have.
I am planning to keep a physical copy of this book and recommend it to someone in need as well.
February 24, 2022
Bridge The Culture Gaps is a useful guide to implementing equality and diversity practices in the modern workplace, The layout was simple, efficient and easy to follow, providing useful thought activities, quotes and examples for the reader to consider when trying to improve their own business. With advice and content that will relate to small and large businesses alike, this is a handy and well thought-out guide that anybody who wants to foster a culturally diverse and inclusive workplace should definitely take a look at.
March 11, 2022
Bridge the Culture Gaps, by Robert Gibson is positioned as a "toolkit for effective collaboration in a diverse, global workplace". It aims to "help you optimize your performance when working in an intercultural environment". It also touches on diversity and the challenges of unconscious bias.
Having lived and worked in various parts of Europe, Asia, as well as North and South America, I recognise the struggles, but also the huge opportunities, when dealing with international teams and cultures.
The book is extremely informative and covers a very wide array of topics, but in some cases it lacks depth. To alleviate this, Gibson has provided a list of sources for further information at the end of each chapter. Unfortunately I didn't have all of those other sources easily at hand, so I couldn't dig deeper.
In the first two chapters, Gibson is setting the scene and is looking at the impact of culture and how we need to be aware of the differences between, but alos within, various cultures. He uses the term culture in the meaning of "a shared system of attitudes, beliefs, meanings, values and behaviour". He also points out that there are different levels of intercultural competence; starting with acceptance and ending with gaining synergies and bridging cultures.
Chapter 3 focuses in the power of difference, in a world where "Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) are no longer considered to be ‘nice to have’ but are ‘need to have’". If you need something done quickly, monocultural teams are recommended, but they are less likely to provide any innovative solutions. Multicultural teams, on the other hand, typically will bring more diverse ideas and solutions, but may need longer time to complete the task.
Chapter 4 focuses on different types of bias and how we should use our intelligence to make better decisions, rather than just assume B, because of A. This is where Gibson mentions the "flip it to test it" approach; just swap the gender of the person in question and see how that influences your point of view. "'He is a strong and assertive leader' and, ‘She is a strong and assertive leader'." What does your gut say?
The next chapter looks at ways of navigating different cultures and situations; taking into account the individual, situation, culture and context; the intercultural cocktail. He also reminds us that the "biggest culture gaps are within countries, not between them".
As we see in Chapter 6, intercultural communication is challenging as the message received can be very different from the message sent. A message consists of the actual, factual information, but e.g. the relationship between the sender and receiver will influence how the message is received.
We learn that virtual teams are impacted by three things: space, time and culture. The younger generation has grown up with remote working and collaborating, and it may even be their preferred way of communicating, whereas many still prefer face to face discussions.
Chapter 8 deals with inclusive leadership, how the the result can be more than the parts put together, but also how different levels of technical skills are expected from managers in different cultures. We get a quick introduction to forming, storming, norming and performing (plus adjourning and swarming).
The next chapter deals with how to successfully build trust, influence and deal with conflict in different cultures.
Chapter 10 touches on managing change and how people are likely to react, including the early stages of shock, denial, frustration, and anger.
The next chapter deals with the often over looked problem of returning to the home country after an assignment abroad; the reverse culture shock. Gibson mentions "third culture kids" in this section; children who has grown up in a culture rather than that of their parents; speak several languages, but lack a clear main language. These children will have a head start in working with and leading multicultural teams later in life.
The final chapter, Chapter 12 looks at practical ways of coping with culture and turning differences into competitive advantages in a business context. He covers topics like be curious, observe (don't judge), empathise, be mindful and celebrate differences. To be successful in the VUCA world, it's important to be open-minded and consciously build bridges across cultural divides.
Having lived and worked in various parts of Europe, Asia, as well as North and South America, I recognise the struggles, but also the huge opportunities, when dealing with international teams and cultures.
The book is extremely informative and covers a very wide array of topics, but in some cases it lacks depth. To alleviate this, Gibson has provided a list of sources for further information at the end of each chapter. Unfortunately I didn't have all of those other sources easily at hand, so I couldn't dig deeper.
In the first two chapters, Gibson is setting the scene and is looking at the impact of culture and how we need to be aware of the differences between, but alos within, various cultures. He uses the term culture in the meaning of "a shared system of attitudes, beliefs, meanings, values and behaviour". He also points out that there are different levels of intercultural competence; starting with acceptance and ending with gaining synergies and bridging cultures.
Chapter 3 focuses in the power of difference, in a world where "Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) are no longer considered to be ‘nice to have’ but are ‘need to have’". If you need something done quickly, monocultural teams are recommended, but they are less likely to provide any innovative solutions. Multicultural teams, on the other hand, typically will bring more diverse ideas and solutions, but may need longer time to complete the task.
Chapter 4 focuses on different types of bias and how we should use our intelligence to make better decisions, rather than just assume B, because of A. This is where Gibson mentions the "flip it to test it" approach; just swap the gender of the person in question and see how that influences your point of view. "'He is a strong and assertive leader' and, ‘She is a strong and assertive leader'." What does your gut say?
The next chapter looks at ways of navigating different cultures and situations; taking into account the individual, situation, culture and context; the intercultural cocktail. He also reminds us that the "biggest culture gaps are within countries, not between them".
As we see in Chapter 6, intercultural communication is challenging as the message received can be very different from the message sent. A message consists of the actual, factual information, but e.g. the relationship between the sender and receiver will influence how the message is received.
We learn that virtual teams are impacted by three things: space, time and culture. The younger generation has grown up with remote working and collaborating, and it may even be their preferred way of communicating, whereas many still prefer face to face discussions.
Chapter 8 deals with inclusive leadership, how the the result can be more than the parts put together, but also how different levels of technical skills are expected from managers in different cultures. We get a quick introduction to forming, storming, norming and performing (plus adjourning and swarming).
The next chapter deals with how to successfully build trust, influence and deal with conflict in different cultures.
Chapter 10 touches on managing change and how people are likely to react, including the early stages of shock, denial, frustration, and anger.
The next chapter deals with the often over looked problem of returning to the home country after an assignment abroad; the reverse culture shock. Gibson mentions "third culture kids" in this section; children who has grown up in a culture rather than that of their parents; speak several languages, but lack a clear main language. These children will have a head start in working with and leading multicultural teams later in life.
The final chapter, Chapter 12 looks at practical ways of coping with culture and turning differences into competitive advantages in a business context. He covers topics like be curious, observe (don't judge), empathise, be mindful and celebrate differences. To be successful in the VUCA world, it's important to be open-minded and consciously build bridges across cultural divides.
January 11, 2023
A very pertinent book for organisations of any size. Lots of useful, important information and exercises on how to ensure we are culturally diverse and inclusive in the workplace. I particularly enjoyed the content on biases on how these impact us in daily life. Having worked and lived within a number of diverse cultures there was great new information and important reminders on how to ensure respect, inclusivity, curiosity, openness and compassion remains forefront to all communication.
Thank you Nicholas Brearley and NetGalley for an ARC in return of my honest review.
Thank you Nicholas Brearley and NetGalley for an ARC in return of my honest review.
July 13, 2022
Many of us work in a culturally diverse workforce. Equality and diversity practices are so important. I appreciate the author’s insight which helps us train for a more inclusive work environment and encouraging deeper connections between groups of all ages and backgrounds. The book is practical. The advice is easy to follow.
January 12, 2024
Excellent primer on intercultural issues. Takes a different stance than some other authors by saying that national cultures are not the only or largest part of the intercultural puzzle. This book includes quite a few helpful exercises and quiz-style boxes with the nationalities anonymised, which forced me to focus on the issues at hand more attentively. Recommended.
November 14, 2024
Bardzo przystępne kompendium wiedzy o międzykulturowej komunikacji i środowisku pracy, dużo przykładów konfliktowych sytuacji i propozycji ich rozwiązania (a do tego jeszcze dostałam tą książkę za darmo na uczelni, więc +10 do przyjemności z czytania)
July 3, 2022
Too obvious, repetitive of many well known and established theories (e.g. Johari windows). I’ve honestly waited for this book a lot and it turned out to be a disappointment:(
December 10, 2025
Enjoyed reading something a bit uni-related
August 27, 2024
This book makes three lists for me; work, reread, and writing project. I will unravel while making any one of my lists is important for me and why making all three is a win-win-win rarely achieved. A great collection of mental models, techniques, methods, and practices for any in a group of more than 1.
First, I work in a field that has me often supporting national cultures. This narrative highlights so many of the challenges I face weekly while also capturing a few of the very reasons I appreciate the opportunities I have working with and learning from diverse cultures. Thus books is a beneficial read for both the ones that have to support complex teams and those who find themself with peers not from where they are.
Second, the book is a dense synthesis of three hundred years of learnings in respects to collaborations across cultures. There was a model or practice often with citing in each passage. It is a tome of cultural contrasts and perspectives. I doubt there was a missed one and regardless a re-read would benefit me and be just as pleasant. I would learn or relearn better the topics. He shares a dense collection of topics.
Third, I have been for five years thinking shyly about writing a book in a topic related to my work. The challenge of collaboration and communication across workforces, especially culture diverse ones, will be a chapter I seek to have. And at this time this is the best collection of culture challenges. I expect to be citing his works.
Lastly even if you don’t work overseas a deeper understanding of culture can gain a perspective and more subtle understanding even in your own culture - that can reduce your and others struggles. For example I lived in one country for 4 years. There was unique and subtle divergences in the culture from the rural area, northern cities, and southern cities. I would not have seen it had it not been clarified for me. Once gaining this perspective I was able to detect similarities in head quarters where there was cultural norms for the teams that worked out of the city, internal, or short term assigned teams. Detecting and adjusting to the observations - kept project and change work successful despite culture resistance and needs.
First, I work in a field that has me often supporting national cultures. This narrative highlights so many of the challenges I face weekly while also capturing a few of the very reasons I appreciate the opportunities I have working with and learning from diverse cultures. Thus books is a beneficial read for both the ones that have to support complex teams and those who find themself with peers not from where they are.
Second, the book is a dense synthesis of three hundred years of learnings in respects to collaborations across cultures. There was a model or practice often with citing in each passage. It is a tome of cultural contrasts and perspectives. I doubt there was a missed one and regardless a re-read would benefit me and be just as pleasant. I would learn or relearn better the topics. He shares a dense collection of topics.
Third, I have been for five years thinking shyly about writing a book in a topic related to my work. The challenge of collaboration and communication across workforces, especially culture diverse ones, will be a chapter I seek to have. And at this time this is the best collection of culture challenges. I expect to be citing his works.
Lastly even if you don’t work overseas a deeper understanding of culture can gain a perspective and more subtle understanding even in your own culture - that can reduce your and others struggles. For example I lived in one country for 4 years. There was unique and subtle divergences in the culture from the rural area, northern cities, and southern cities. I would not have seen it had it not been clarified for me. Once gaining this perspective I was able to detect similarities in head quarters where there was cultural norms for the teams that worked out of the city, internal, or short term assigned teams. Detecting and adjusting to the observations - kept project and change work successful despite culture resistance and needs.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews