Prof. Hans LADEGAARD, Department of English and Communication

Cultural Representations and Stereotypes: How to Navigate Across Cultures in a Polarized World. Cultural Diversity Day at SWIRE Hong Kong. Human Resources, Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, SWIRE Hong Kong, SWIRE Headquarters, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, 21 May 2025.

Abstract
This talk will explore how we use cultural representations and stereotypes to navigate our interaction with strangers in an increasingly polarized world. Are stereotypes helpful or harmful? Is miscommunication rampant in the global workplace, or do people somehow find a way to navigate their way through culturally challenging interactions? What does the research show, and what does our experience tell us? The talk will focus on major findings in the intercultural communication literature, but also draw on my personal experiences as a Scandinavian intercultural communication scholar who has worked in Chinese workplaces for 19 years.