One False Move: Training Deployers in Cross-Cultural Negotiations
Abstract
In 2015 Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James directed that members of the Air Force be trained in cross-cultural negotiation skills before deploying. The next step is identifying who needs to receive this training, when the training should be accomplished, and how the course should be delivered. The purpose of this paper is to determine how best to answer these important questions. Using an evaluative framework, this paper carefully examined the best way to determine what ranks and jobs in the Air Force would need the training and at what point in the Expeditionary Readiness Training program the course should be inserted. In addition, both classroom and computer-based training options were compared and evaluated to determine the best and most cost and time-effective option. The results showed that Career Field Managers who oversee particular AFSCs should be delegated the role of determining who in their prevue should receive the training. The Air Force Negotiation Center (AFNC) should be tasked with providing these managers with guided questions to help them make that decision. Pre-existing online courseware developed by the AFNC should be used to teach these skills; the courses are already in place and allow for the most flexibility of scheduling for the member. That training should occur during the second tier of ERT, which is completed only by Airmen who have deployment taskings. By following these recommendations, the Air Force can fulfill Secretary James direction while being mindful of budget, time, and necessity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1041079
Entities
People
- Erin M. Karl
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College