yh Frustrationh Exhilarationh Inappropriate social behaviorh Inability to get close to your business partner and clinch the dealh Feeling isolatedh Becoming depressedAll of the above are possible reactions to culture shock, the shock we experience when we are confronted with the unknown the foreign. The term culture shock was coined by the anthropologists Oberg, who explained both the symptoms and the process of adapting to a different culture. The experience of a new culture is seen as an unpleasant surprise or shock- a shock that occur when expectations do not coincide with reality. (Marx, 5). In his original article, Oberg lists six main aspects of culture shock:1. Strain caused by the effort to adapt.2. Sense of loss and feelings of deprivation in relation to friends, status, profession and possessions.3. Feeling rejected by or rejecting members of the new culture.4. Confusion in role, values and self-identity.5. Anxiety and even disgust/anger about foreign practices.6. Feelings of helplessness, not being able to cope with the new environment.Culture shock in all its diverse form is completely normal and is part of a successful process of adaptation. Oberg also developed a model of adaptation that suggests that going abroad or working internationally put you through or cycle of distinct phases on the way to final adaptations.The first stage is the honeymoon phase, where all encounters in a new place are seen as exciting, positive and stimulating. The new life is viewed as providing endless opportunities and the manager is usually in a state of exhilaration. There is openness and curiosity, combined with a readiness to accept whatever comes. Most importantly, at this stage judgment is reserved and even minor irritations are suppressed in favor of concentrating on the n ice things about the job, the country, the colleagues, the food, etc.In the second phase, culture shock sets in- the manager realizes that something is not quit...
