Mackay, Lynette (2009) Cultural Connectivity: the wealth of a nation. In: Papers from the 2nd International Unity in Diversity Conference 2009. pp. 1-12. From: 2nd International Unity in Diversity Conference, 12 - 14 August 2009, Townsville, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

Instead of allowing diversity of race and culture to become a limiting factor to human exchange and development, we must refocus our understanding, discern in such diversity the potential for mutual enrichment, and realise that it is the interchange between great traditions of human spirituality that offers the best prospect for the persistence of the human spirit itself. For too long such diversity has been treated as a threat rather than as a gift…” World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (2000) “Tolerance and Diversity: A vision for the 21st century”, Vision Statement, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Geneva.

In our current climate in the postmodern world, the concept of knowledge as a commodity has became a viable and accepted custom. Intrinsic to this notion of knowledge as capital, culture is viewed as a production in itself and as an artefact by which to examine both the dimensions and layers of thinking pertinent to the navigation of cultural demarcations. This paper contends that the principal framework of ‘doing business’ needs to engender Cultural Connectivity and that this should be placed at the forefront of interpersonal interactions.

Cultural Connectivity utilises both cultural intelligence as the thinking within culturally diverse exchanges; and cultural competence as the dexterity of the user to successfully negotiate through the maze of cultural contexts. Cultural Connectivity is the broader construct of how we can perceive similarities within culturally diverse contexts to make connections at a ‘humanness’ level. American President Barrack Obama, as an effective example of this practice, is tendered as representational of the positive role model in this instance. As a recognizable ‘global citizen’, he is in a strong, tenable position to be accepted across a range of cultural boundaries. Our own Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is yet another example, whereby his speech in fluent Mandarin Chinese, acted as a cultural connector with both the Chinese government and people. Both of these political figures have successfully engaged in business utilising the theory of cultural connectivity. This paper will discern why it should be considered an invaluable resource to placing Australia in a strong position upon the global stage.

Item ID:	9982
Item Type:	Conference Item (Presentation)
Date Deposited:	31 May 2010 01:13
FoR Codes:	20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2002 Cultural Studies > 200204 Cultural Theory @ 100%
SEO Codes:	95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9502 Communication > 950201 Communication Across Languages and Culture @ 100%
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