Coalescing Cultural Boundaries in the Workplace

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the author's experience working as a waiter with other workers of Mexican descent. The paper discusses how the author's perceptions during his experience correlated to Nancy Adler's concepts of projected similarity error and selective perception.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: Personal Scenario With International Colleague
Recognition of Projected Similarity Error
Recognition of Selective Perception
Cultural Synergy
Conclusion: Admitting to Projected Similarity Error and Selective Perception
References

From the Paper:

"Now that I look back on that experience, I realize that most of my perceptions were based on the process of projected similarity error conceptualized by Nancy Adler. Adler (1991) surmised that projected similarity error occurs when we assume that other people possess similar beliefs, habits, and values as ourselves (p.74). We often extend these similarities to perceive our colleagues as interpreting phenomena in the same way as we do. As Alder points out, I was probably using my own meanings to make sense out his reality."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Adler, N.J. (1991). Communicating across cultural barriers [Electronic version]. International dimensions of organizational behavior (2nd ed). Boston: PWS-Kent Publishing, 63-91.

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