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Failure to Learn from Cross-Cultural Interaction: Lessons from a Simulation Model of the Greenland Norse Colony
Series
Wirtschaftskybernetik und Systemanalyse
ISBN
3-428-12256-9
Type
book section
Date Issued
2006
Author(s)
Ambroz, Kristjan
Olaya, Camilo
Editor(s)
Bouncken, Ricarda B.
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to examine the value of cross-cultural interaction and the consequences of the lack thereof. To accomplish this task the interaction of two older cultures is examined namely the Greenland Norse and the Greenland Inuit. Failure to cooperate drove the former to extinction, while the latter managed to survive in the same environment for a lot longer and showed a very cooperative attitude to other cultures that they encountered. With the help of computer simulation valuable lessons for intercultural contexts in organizations and societies in general are extracted and shown from this case. These adhere to the prominence of principles such as adaptation and collective intelligence. Refusal to learn by interaction - in order to overcome dysfunctional reinforcing cycles - is the key to understanding the failure of the Norse.
Language
English
Keywords
learning
culture
simulation
system dynamics
adaptation
HSG Classification
not classified
Refereed
Yes
Book title
Interkulturelle Kooperation : wissenschaftliche Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Wirtschafts- und Sozialkybernetik vom 6. und 7. Oktober 2005 in Greifswald
Publisher
Duncker & Humblot
Publisher place
Berlin
Number
Bd. 24
Start page
115
End page
127
Pages
13
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
30564