Definition of Terms
Culture and its connected values and beliefs are constantly shifting and moving within countries. “Social scientists contend that there is in fact no such thing as national culture, since subcultures within a country can vary so greatly in their values and beliefs” Eckhardt (2002).
The term ‘culture’ and its interpretation varies greatly in the literature. To alleviate potential confusion, the author of this research study chooses to use the term ‘ethnocentrism’, ‘ethno’ meaning group, and ‘centrism’ meaning centered. Sumner’s (1906) classic definition of the term is still valid and widely accepted. It may be paraphrased as “one’s group becomes the center of everything, and all others are scaled and rated with reference to it.”
Additional terminology used in this study:
| Global-Mindedness | A person who is globalminded is expected to (1) see the world as a whole; (2) seek and accept diversity while searching for similarities among the various elements of the world, such as people and their habits; (3) study similarities and differences and think of appropriate adaptation processes; (4) use the knowledge gained to design and execute strategies that will maximize the benefits to all (Stell Kefalas and Weatherly, 2003). |
| Hybrid Learning | Is a combination of learning or training activities, where traditional (classroom) learning is combined with e-learning supplements. |
| Hard Skills | Refer to sound technical abilities or solid factual knowledge required to do a job. They are based on the basics of reading, writing and mathematical skills. Various intelligences (IQ) are connected to hard skill building. Hard skills are traditionally taught in lecture format and success can be evaluated through traditional assessment techniques. |
| Soft Skills | Skills relating to personal, interpersonal and attitudinal development. Includes, but is not limited to, team building/team work, creativity, problem solving, leadership, coaching, negotiation, communication, attitude, aspects of one’s personality and the ability to adapt to different cultural environments. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is connected to soft skill building. Soft skills are process oriented with the aim to enhance interpersonal effectiveness with a focus on ‘How To’ rather than ‘What To Do’ (see ‘Hard Skills’). |
| Online Supplement | Is an instructional unit, which is stored and maintained at an online platform. The virtual learning platforms can be located on the Internet, or a local Intranet. |
