|
Bridging Intercultural Gaps: Communication, Conflict Prevention/Resolution and
Translation/Interpretation
 | We provided “intercultural bridging” within a
long-term, four-nation research project managed by the Carnegie Council. This
bridging role provides a new model of integrating
international professionals into international collaborative efforts.
We offer language facilitation at
international meetings, and create opportunities for multilingual
discussion of concepts. We
develop proactive ways to prevent
conflict among collaborators, and provide translation and other communication
services. |
| Hoffman and Associates thoroughly incorporated the thinking
of both offices of a
binational organization into a comprehensive needs assessment, helping to
avoid divisive conflicts.
|
| Employing conflict resolution skills, we listen to and help
transform anger
of internationals who are critical of the West,
and cultivate relationships of mutual respect.
|
| Hoffman and Associates has acted as linguistic
and cultural interpreter for environmental/civic leaders
and
artists.
|
| We facilitated an agreement
between Japan- and U.S.-based consulting firms. The agreement makes it possible for interdisciplinary, international
consulting teams to exchange information and collaborate on a wide variety of projects.
|
| We helped a U.S. real estate firm determine how to approach a high-powered Japanese client
and close a multimillion dollar sale.
|
Introducing People, Ideas, and Information
Into Other Cultures
| Hoffman and Associates gathered experiential environmental education tools for
introduction to China.
With the U.S.-China Environmental Fund, we translated Western thinking
about “indicators of environmental and social sustainability” into a form
utilizable by China’s National Environmental Protection Agency.
|
| We helped introduce path-breaking environmental education curricula to
Japan. After locating suitable Japanese counterparts, we performed linguistic and cultural interpretation at workshops. Our
U.S. client has since developed a strong following in Japan.
|
| Hoffman and Associates provides environmental
businesses, universities, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations with up-to-date
environmental information on a wide variety of topics.
We write readable, thought-provoking columns
that attract interest across sectors and nations.
|
| Hoffman and Associates provides recommendations to Western
nonprofits regarding culturally
sensitive,
effective environmental advocacy within Japan.
|
Setting Up Collaborative and Exchange Relationships
|
Hoffman and Associates has developed
pioneering exchange relationships between Japanese and U.S. university environmental
programs. We found
suitable partner universities and established relationships of trust.
We
developed curricular content that appeals to
students, faculty, and administration, and resolved legal, financial,
and logistical issues.
|
|
Hoffman and Associates performed a comprehensive
needs assessment for a binational organization that facilitates Japan-U.S.
nonprofit exchange and collaboration. During
this assessment, we did extensive research
on how to facilitate collaboration and exchange.
We have provided pro
bono
assistance to a similar nonprofit organization (see Past Projects for
more detail on pro
bono
activities).
|
| Hoffman
and Associates has found excellent-fit internships for Japanese
nationals interested in U.S.-based environmental work. |
"When people from different walks of life
or different nations collaborate,
we need as many effective 'bridge people' as possible -- to act as bridge
across communication styles, and to fill in the rich cultural contexts
which stand behind words and action."
--Steven M. Hoffman, Hoffman and Associates
|
