17 Cineplex in The United States

Team 27 Poster

Team Reflection

Throughout this cross-cultural experience, our team learned the importance of understanding different cultures and effective interaction strategies. Engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds enhanced our appreciation for cultural perspectives on responsibility and collaboration. Working entirely through online communication, with team members located across various time zones, highlighted the significance of engaging with a variety of stakeholders and recognizing their unique needs and expectations, which ultimately fosters trust and cooperation. A paper by Rodrigo Lozano, “Collaboration as a Pathway for Sustainability,” seems to align closely with this assessment. As it emphasizes the necessity of collaboration in achieving sustainability, and the behaviours and importance of stakeholders, it resonates well with the collaborative efforts we undertook in our project to ensure its success (Lozano, 2007).

The insights gained from our coursework greatly supplemented our teamwork. We effectively applied skills such as conflict management, goal setting, time management, and cultural awareness. During our weekly meetings, each member clearly understood the specific roles and responsibilities, reinforcing the lessons of accountability emphasized in class. We learned the importance of ethical considerations, communication strategies, and stakeholder engagement, all of which proved essential in effectively delegating tasks, conducting efficient meetings, and ensuring that everyone felt respected and comfortable with their contributions. Moreover, we recognized the significance of strategic planning and applied the skills we learned in our courses to establish clear objectives and a timeline for our team. Our class discussions about shifting from exploiting bottom-of-pyramid (BOP) markets to fostering shared value with communities underscore the significance of ethical practices and stakeholder involvement. This focus was evident in our work as we aimed to cultivate a positive and inclusive team dynamic that valued each member’s input, ultimately contributing to the success of our project. Overall, the knowledge acquired from our coursework were instrumental in cultivating a collaborative spirit among team members and motivating everyone to engage actively in the project.

Our work was structured around weekly discussions focused on the COIL assignment, where we spoke a minimum of once a week through a zoom call and messages throughout the week to ensure consistent communication, respect, and a thorough understanding of each other’s perspectives. When conducting the writing portions, we used collaborative tools, such as shared documents and project management software’s, to track our progress and keep all members informed. This facilitated transparency and ensured everyone was on the same page. Tasks were often divided based on individual preferences and comfort levels, ensuring a fair distribution of workload when conducting each task and the overall narrative. Additionally, with tasks that were consistently repeated throughout the duration of the project, such as the meeting minutes, we aimed to maintain consistency by designating one person to document them and submit. By taking into account each individual’s strengths and interests, we were able to conduct tasks more effectively and create a cohesive narrative for our project. Ultimately, this structure allowed us to leverage our collective skills while fostering a supportive team dynamic.

Throughout our project, we encountered both successes and challenges that shaped our collaborative experience. One of the significant hurdles we faced was communication within our group chat. Text messaging sometimes led to misunderstandings or miscommunication, as it lacked the context of tone and body language. This sometimes resulted in confusion over assignments and expectations. Additionally, there were instances when group members were slow to respond, which delayed our decision-making process and hindered our ability to move forward efficiently. Finding a company to interview was another challenge we encountered early on as many of the companies we reached out to did not respond, which left us feeling frustrated and uncertain about our next steps.

Despite these challenges, several aspects of our collaboration proved to be effective. We found that conducting meetings was significantly more beneficial than relying solely on text communication. During our meetings, we could convey information more clearly, and the dynamic nature of face-to-face discussion fostered a deeper understanding among team members. Speaking over the phone minimized miscommunication, allowing us to hear each other’s tones and further explanations, which enriched our conversations and facilitated a clearer exchange of ideas. Regarding project management, we successfully met deadlines and ensured that the specific tasks were completed on time. This was stemmed from our commitment to accountability and drive for success on this project, as each member respected and considered the contributions of others. Our team fostered a positive and supporting atmosphere, which encouraged open dialogue and collaboration. Each individual was equally invested in the project, contributing hard work and effort, which ultimately helped us navigate challenges together.

While the experience reinforced our classroom learning, it also revealed gaps in our understanding, particularly around the nuances of cross-cultural communication. We were surprised by how much our differing perspectives and experiences influenced our discussions and decision-making processes. This offered a new perspective on conventional assumptions about business practices, highlighting the critical importance of adaptability and cultural sensitivity. Although the knowledge we gained in class served as a strong foundation, we each needed to adjust to the dynamics of our group. Each individual approaches challenges and successes in their own way, emphasizing that there is not a universal standard for collaboration.

Individual Reflections 

Alexa’s Reflection

My experience with this project was a very significant moment in my university career. This was unlike any project I had encountered before, and it provided me with the invaluable experience of working alongside a diverse array of individuals, not just from Guelph but from all around the world. Collaborating with colleagues from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds introduced many unique perspectives and enriched our collaborative process. The diversity of our team fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas, allowing us to approach challenges from various angles and innovate in ways I had not anticipated. Each member brought their own insights and experiences, which enhanced our discussions and helped us successfully achieve our goals.

Initially, the project felt overwhelming, as the scope and complexity of our tasks seemed daunting. However, once we had our first meeting, everything began to fall into place, making the workload feel much more manageable. Despite encountering some challenges along the way, particularly at the beginning, it was inspiring to witness how dedicated each team member was to this project. We collectively worked through any obstacles, demonstrating a strong commitment to collaboration and problem-solving. This collaborative process has highlighted the importance of inclusivity and open-mindedness in academic work, highlighting how varied viewpoints can lead to more comprehensive solutions.

Even though we faced some challenges with internet connectivity, WhatsApp communication, and language barriers, I believe our greatest strength was the meetings we conducted. The occasional technical issue with internet connectivity could have been a significant hurdle, but we adapted by being flexible and patient with each other. When a member experienced disruptions or a problem, we made sure to keep them informed and engaged as much as possible. However, there were scenarios where Hanna and I would have to repeat ourselves multiple times to receive an answer or encounter one or two members being unable to attend the designated meeting time. These situations could be quite frustrating, especially given the time and effort that was invested in organizing our meetings. However, I would say we handled these challenges with resilience and understanding, leveraging our adaptability and problem-solving skills to create solutions.

Overall, this experience was not just an opportunity to apply my course knowledge, it provided invaluable insights and skills, as well as lessons in cultural understanding that will greatly benefit me in my future endeavours. Despite our diverse languages and backgrounds, we shared a common goal that we were dedicated to achieving. This unified purpose fostered a strong sense of teamwork and commitment among us. The insights and skills I acquired through this experience will accompany me in my future, and I am very thankful that I got to partake in this project.

Alvaro’s Reflection

Participating in this collaborative, cross-cultural project has been an unforgettable part of my academic journey. Working with team members from Canada and Saudi Arabia brought diverse perspectives that enriched our discussions and offered new ways to approach problem-solving. Our collective goal of creating a meaningful project for AIM2Flourish encouraged us to overcome our differences and communicate effectively, despite the occasional hurdles posed by language and varying cultural viewpoints.

At first, the process felt challenging due to the logistical complexities of coordinating across multiple time zones and languages. Establishing consistent meeting times was a bit of a puzzle, but we soon adapted and found suitable times for everyone. While this coordination was sometimes stressful, it highlighted the importance of flexibility and respect in virtual teamwork. Each member’s willingness to adjust their schedule underscored our shared commitment to the project.

The experience taught me how essential clear communication is in international teamwork. Early on, we encountered instances where ideas were misunderstood or had to be repeated due to connection issues. Yet, over time, we developed a rhythm that allowed us to communicate more effectively. I am especially grateful for the patience my teammates showed in those moments, as it fostered a positive atmosphere that made overcoming these challenges easier. Reflecting on this project, I feel that it has enhanced my skills in collaboration, adaptability, and intercultural understanding. I learned the value of patience, open-mindedness, and proactive communication when working in a global team. The lessons I gained here will be invaluable as I continue my studies and eventually step into the professional world, where cross-cultural collaboration is increasingly the norm. This project wasn’t just an academic exercise—it was a hands-on experience that taught me how innovation, combined with cultural understanding, can drive meaningful social impact.

Hanna’s Reflection

This collaborative experience with individuals from around the world has been the most unique school project I’ve had the pleasure of participating in. Collaborating with diverse individuals from different cultures and countries was not only enriching, but also broadened my perspective on global issues and the unique viewpoints of others. Leading up to the start date, I felt a sense of excitement as I eagerly anticipated meeting my group members. Each team member brought their own perspectives and insights, which were crucial in shaping our approach and ultimately contributed significantly to the project’s success. At the start of our project, we took the time to articulate our individual goals and what we hoped to gain from this experience. This open communication ensured that all team members were aligned and shared a common understanding of our objectives. Establishing these initial expectations laid a solid foundation for our collaboration and provide to be a key factor in our success. We effectively created an environment of mutual respect and shared purpose, and were able to work together effectively, leveraging our diverse backgrounds to create a richer, more polished final product. Despite encountering a slight language barrier and internet connectivity issues, I believe our group managed to communicate quite effectively during our meetings. However, there were instances when Alexa and I would pose questions and found ourselves repeating them multiple times before receiving a response. Whether this was due to connectivity or lack of engagement and active listening, it often led to frustration. We often faced difficulties in establishing consistent meeting times. Even when we successfully scheduled a meeting, it was common for one or two members to be unavailable just 20 to 30 before, forcing us to reschedule. Despite this, we adapted to the situation and always found a way to find a time where we could all attend. In the end, while our group faced several communication challenges, these obstacles taught us valuable lessons in adaptability, patience, and the importance of clear, consistent communication. These skills will be very valuable in future collaborative efforts, and for that, I am thankful to have participated in this experience.

Martina’s Reflection

My experience about this project has been an incredible experience. The thing that I enjoy the most is to have met all the members of my team, collaborating and meeting with them all those weeks, learning about how to communicate with people of other cultures and countries, and working together has been a very rich experience. I appreciate a lot that all members of the group have contributed with their own ideas and combine our strengths for solving problems all together.

The most difficult part for me was coordinating our schedules for meetings. The different time zones made it difficult to find meeting times that worked for every member of the team, but flexibility and patience have made it possible for us to schedule our meetings. Also when we finally decided on a company that works for everyone, we realized that an interview couldn’t be possible, so we had to re-evaluate other options. After a lot of communication, we finally found a company that met our needs.

The most useful tool for me was the group chat, which allowed us to keep connected, to talk about updates, to share documents. Although the multiple time zones the group chat allowed us to maintain communication effectively. Finally, this project has helped me in things like improving my communication skills, understanding the different perspectives of the members of the group, and also I learned valuable lessons about teamwork and cooperation.

Shahad’s Reflection

Being part of this international virtual team was one of the best experiences of my university journey, an enriching experience, though it came with its share of challenges. Working with team members from different parts of the world, I appreciated the diversity of perspectives, skills, and insights each person brought to the project. Collaborating with people with varied backgrounds and ideas was inspiring, which broadened my understanding and approach. This diversity fueled our creativity, allowing us to come up with solutions we might not have considered otherwise.

One of the main challenges we faced was coordinating across different time zones. With team members located in various countries, finding a meeting time that worked for everyone wasn’t always easy. Some meetings had to be postponed or rescheduled because someone couldn’t attend, which sometimes slowed down our progress. This required flexibility and a willingness from everyone to adapt when plans changed, but we were able to find a solution that satisfied everyone in the end.

One of the major benefits of this experience was how we embraced our cultural differences as strengths. Each team member brought unique perspectives that enriched our discussions, whether through problem-solving approaches or new ways of looking at familiar tasks. There were differences in communication styles, work approaches, and even in how feedback was given and received. These diverse viewpoints enabled us to build a more well-rounded project. Communication was key to our success, and while we occasionally struggled to find common ground, particularly around scheduling and interpretations, we quickly developed a rhythm that worked for everyone. I found that being open-minded and respectful was essential to building trust and fostering a positive team environment.

To manage communication effectively, we made use of various tools like video calls and group chats. This helped keep everyone informed and allowed us to work together efficiently despite the distance. Success in communication came when we set clear expectations, shared updates regularly, and maintained an open line for questions and feedback. By prioritizing clear and consistent communication, we were able to stay aligned on our goals.

I am also proud of the way we communicated. We took the time to actively listen to one another, which made overcoming potential misunderstandings easier. The team showed great empathy and patience, especially when clarifying language that could have caused confusion. This respectful communication style helped us not only navigate challenges but also build trust and camaraderie within the team, which made me enjoy working with my colleagues.

Overall, my experience with this virtual, cross-cultural team was truly valuable. I gained confidence in my ability to work effectively in an international setting, became more adaptable to different communication styles, and learned to be flexible with time management. Working with people from different cultures and time zones has not only expanded my understanding of teamwork but has also prepared me to better navigate future global collaborations.

References 

Lozano, R. (2007). Collaboration as a pathway for Sustainability. Sustainable Development,

15(6), 370–381. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.322