Accession Number:

ADA505827

Title:

An Analysis of Cross-Cultural Behaviors for Military Advisors in the Middle East

Descriptive Note:

Conference paper

Corporate Author:

ARMY RESEARCH INST FOR THE BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES ALEXANDRIA VA

Personal Author(s):

• Zbylut, Michelle R.
• Metcalf, Kimberly A.
• McGowan, Bradon D.
• Beemer, Michael
• Vowels, Christopher L.
• Brunner, Jason M.

Report Date:

2008-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

9.0

Abstract:

Five-hundred-sixty-five externally sourced Transition Team advisors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan completed a survey to help identify the cross-cultural behaviors critical to advisor effectiveness in the current operating environment. Results indicated role modeling, establishing credibility with ones counterpart, and being respectful were among the most frequent and important advisor behaviors. Results also suggested that a command of common words and greetings in the native language was valuable, but that advisors were able to communicate without significant proficiency in the counterparts language given the availability of competent interpreters.

Descriptors:

• *MILITARY ADVISORS
• *CROSS CULTURE(SOCIOLOGY)
• BEHAVIOR
• METRICS
• INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS
• INTERPRETERS
• AFGHANISTAN
• OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
• IRAQ
• POSTWAR OPERATIONS

Subject Categories:

• Sociology and Law
• Psychology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE