Acclimated to Africa: Cultural Competence for Westerners (Publications in Ethnography Book 45)

Misunderstood: one thing foreigners never want to be! But Africans and Westerners, interpreting the world through different cultural lenses, misunderstand each other with alarming regularity. This is sometimes funny, sometimes scandalous, but always damages credibility. This book is designed to promote cultural competence among Westerners working in Africa and among Africans living in the West. Cultural competence—knowing what one needs to know to act in a manner acceptable in a society—is the first step to credibility and the surest antidote to being misunderstood. DiGennaro creatively introduces dialog between two fictitious characters: Juma as the African voice, and Wesley as the Western voice. They articulate their culture’s perspectives on seven themes, themes which were identified by Westerners in Africa and by their African co-workers, as the most chronic points of cross-cultural stress: organization, finances, friendship, spirituality, communication and conflict, leadership, and work. Easy to read and broad in approach, this book is ideal for North Americans and Europeans who desire to expand their appreciation and comprehension of Africans’ social reality. Debbi DiGennaro (M.A. in Social Work, The Ohio State University) moved to East Africa in 2008. She leaned heavily on her training in social sciences to facilitate her understanding of work and relationship patterns in Africa. Based in Nairobi with her family, DiGennaro currently leads the regional team of a faith-based NGO. Foreword Acknowledgements How This Book Works 1# On Our Way to a New Culture Developing Cross-Cultural Competence Cultural Adjustment 101 Culture Shock Culture Clusters Conclusion 2# Clocks and Calendars: Navigating Concepts of Organization Living with Ambiguity Events and the Clock Planning Public Events Living in the Present Conclusion 3# Sharing, Hiding, and Hoarding: Navigating Concepts of Finance Collective Thought versus Individual Thought Friendship and Sharing Friendship and Money Negotiations Accounting Conclusion 4# Allies and Obligations: Navigating Concepts of Friendship Relationships and Reciprocity The Cost of Friendship Social Networking Intentionality and Commitment-Based Friendships Gifts and Other Dues Collective Friendship Hospitality Visiting Community Gatherings Conclusion 5# Magic, Morality, and Entities in the Air: Navigating Concepts of Spirituality African Spirituality: Current, Real, Distinct Interactions Between Humans and the Divine Premises of Spirituality Chance versus Spiritual Causation Spirituality in the Social Environment Community versus Individual Moral Code Conclusion 6# Riddles and Gifts: Navigating Concepts of Communication and Conflict Styles of Communication Direct and Indirect Messages Information versus Friendliness How to Say “Yes” and “No” Managing Conflict Conclusion 7# Standards, Status, and Resources: Navigating Concepts of Leadership The Role of the “Big Man” Implications of Status Ownership, Control, and Authority Conclusion 8# Labor, Loyalty, and Lounging Around: Navigating Concepts of Work Employment Evaluating the Workplace Solidarity in the Workplace Relational Networking Conclusion Epilogue Appendix A: Cultural Adjustment Process Appendix B: Data Points for Travelers References About the Author