June 19 Workshop, Working in a Multicultural Group
The Graduate Medical Sciences Office of Postdoctoral Affairs is pleased to host Anne P. Copeland, PhD, founder and cxecutive director of The Interchange Institute, a non-profit organization focused on the understanding and support of people and organizations in intercultural transition. She will conduct a workshop on Working in a Multicultural Group, Tuesday, June 19 from 3:30–5 p.m. in the Wilkins Board Room (Evans 120) where she will discuss issues related to today’s university as a mini-United Nations.
The most productive labs, departments and work groups are the ones that understand the cultural values that affect relationships, communication style and scientific reasoning, and whose members share the ability to recognize and adapt to these differences. When everyone on a team – Americans and internationals alike – shares an understanding of these cultural dimensions and a vocabulary for discussing them in a neutral, balanced way, they can proceed to their shared core work more quickly and productively.
In this workshop, she will briefly review the international research on cultural values that affect work assumptions and relationships, and differences in scientific reasoning approaches that affect collaborations in multicultural teams. We will look at core cultural values in communication style and work relationships, including relationships between lab directors and staff, decision-making, work commitment, and other topics suggested by attendees.
Through The Interchange Institute, Dr. Copland conducts research and offers publications, cross-cultural training, training of trainers, and consulting on the process of moving from one culture to another. Dr. Copeland is a licensed psychologist with expertise in cultural transition.
- Working in a Multicultural Group
- June 19, 3:30-5 p.m.
- Wilkins Board Room (Evans 120)
- Open to all postdocs, PhD students, faculty and staff
- Registration: Yolanta@bu.edu
Submitted by Yolanta Kovalko