### Critical Reflection on Cross-Cultural Management Practices at Bahrain Polytechnic University

**What did you experience?**

I explored the implementation of cross-cultural management (CCM) practices within Bahrain Polytechnic
University, focusing on their impact on team dynamics and performance.

**Where were you?**

This study was conducted within the confines of Bahrain Polytechnic University.

**When did this experience take place?**

The experience took place in May 2024, during the administration and analysis of surveys and interviews
conducted with members of the university.

**What did you do?**

I engaged in a mixed-methods research approach, utilizing surveys and interviews to gather data on the
current state of cross-cultural management, the challenges faced by members, and recommendations
for improvement.

**How did this experience make you feel?**

I felt a sense of purpose and responsibility, knowing that the findings could potentially enhance cross-
cultural competence and collaboration within the university.

**What assumptions/expectations did you bring to the experience?**

I assumed that there would be a general lack of familiarity with CCM concepts among participants and
that there would be significant challenges related to cultural differences affecting team dynamics.
**What were you trying to accomplish?**

I aimed to assess the current state of CCM practices, identify challenges, and propose strategies for
enhancing cross-cultural competence at Bahrain Polytechnic.

**In what ways did this experience relate to the course material?**

The experience directly related to course material on organizational behavior, cultural diversity, and
management strategies, providing a practical context for these theoretical concepts.

**How does this experience enhance your knowledge of the material? Was your knowledge challenged
or reinforced? In what ways?**

This experience reinforced my understanding of the importance of CCM in diverse organizational

settings. It challenged my knowledge by highlighting the specific cultural nuances and practical
challenges within Bahrain Polytechnic.

**In what ways were you able to apply knowledge or skills learned in the course to your experience?**

I applied skills in qualitative and quantitative research, data analysis, and understanding cultural
diversity from the course material to design and conduct the study effectively.

**What did you learn?**

I learned about the significant gaps in CCM understanding and training at Bahrain Polytechnic and the
specific cultural challenges faced by members, such as gender and language differences.

**How did you learn it, specifically?**

I learned this through the analysis of survey and interview data, which provided insights into
participants' experiences and perceptions of cross-cultural interactions.
**Why does this learning matter?**

This learning matters because it underscores the importance of enhancing cross-cultural competence in
educational settings, which can lead to improved team performance and collaboration.

**What is the problem or issue we are facing?**

The main issue is the lack of familiarity with CCM concepts and insufficient institutional support for
promoting cultural diversity and sensitivity.

**What happened?**

The research revealed that many participants were not familiar with CCM concepts, and there were
significant communication challenges due to cultural differences.

**What did you notice?**

I noticed that despite recognizing the importance of cultural sensitivity, there was a lack of structured
support and training to enhance cross-cultural competence among the members.

**Why does this experience matter? Why is it important?**

This experience matters because it highlights the need for proactive measures to foster an inclusive and
culturally competent environment, essential for effective teamwork and collaboration.

**What critical questions does this experience bring up?**

- How can Bahrain Polytechnic enhance its support for cross-cultural management?

- What specific training programs can be implemented to improve cultural competence?

- How can communication challenges related to cultural differences be effectively addressed?

**What conclusions can we draw from this experience?**

We can conclude that there is a pressing need for improved CCM training and institutional support to
foster a more inclusive and effective multicultural environment at Bahrain Polytechnic.

**What have you learned? How will you use this insight moving forward?**

I have learned about the critical role of CCM in enhancing team dynamics and performance. Moving
forward, I will advocate for structured training programs and institutional support to improve cultural
competence.

**What will you do to move forward?**

I will propose specific strategies and recommendations, such as workshops, cultural awareness
campaigns, and cross-cultural events, to the university administration.

**Based on your experience, how does your learning change?**

My learning now includes a deeper understanding of the practical challenges and strategies in
implementing CCM, which will inform my future research and professional practice.

**What are the main employability skills utilized?**

- Research and analytical skills

- Communication and interpersonal skills

- Cultural competence and sensitivity

- Problem-solving and critical thinking skills

**What skills require working on and why?**

Improving my skills in designing and implementing training programs and enhancing my ability to
navigate and manage cultural differences more effectively are necessary to foster a more inclusive
environment. This will ensure that recommendations are actionable and impactful.