Setting the Climate for Learning in a Multicultural Group

Abstract

Training groups of managers from diverse Third World countries poses special circumstances which require consideration. Setting the climate for learning is crucial in order to avoid the propagation of fears and beliefs which might otherwise form barriers to learning. The Facilitator— Interaction Model describes the influence of attitudes expressed through behaviour by both the facilitator and the members. Facilitator behaviour, in the form of interactions with course members and selection of learning activities, has been found to be fundamental to the development and maintenance of a positive learning climate in a multicultural group. Facilitators contemplating on training multicultural groups need to consider their attitudes and the way these are expressed in their behaviour before their training efforts can be successful.