Human Dimension of Advising: An Analysis of Interpersonal, Linguistic, Cultural, and Advisory Aspects of the Advisor Role

摘要

A survey targeting interpersonal, cultural, language, and advisory activities was administered to 565 Army and Marine advisors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Advisors rated how frequently they engaged in 151 activities, as well as indicated how important those activities were to advisor performance. Results indicated that the most frequent activity engaged in by advisors was communicating through an interpreter, followed by role modeling behaviors, and behaviors demonstrating consideration and respect. Results suggest that advisors did not view language proficiency as necessary to perform their job, but that knowledge of common words and greetings in the host nation language is important. Results also highlight the importance of impression management skills, skill at interpreting nonverbal behavior, mentoring and coaching skills, the ability to compare one's culture with the counterpart's culture, the ability to detect manipulation, rapport building, and interacting with coalition forces.