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In her talk "International Cooperation in IT Teams" at the wroc_love.rb 2023 conference, Amelia Walter-Dzikowska discusses the complexities and benefits of working in international teams, likening the modern work environment to a 'global village.' She reflects on her personal journey from a biology graduate to a quality assurance engineer in international settings, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural differences in the workplace. Key points include:

- **The Concept of Global Village:** Walter-Dzikowska describes the term as contradictory, highlighting how globalization merges different cultures while retaining unique local characteristics. 
- **Time Zone Challenges:** Issues such as scheduling meetings across different time zones can create significant barriers. For example, Polish and French work hours differ, leading to conflicts in meeting availability.
- **Communication Barriers:** Cultural differences impact communication styles, where varying expectations can lead to misunderstandings. Walter-Dzikowska stresses the importance of non-verbal cues, which can often be missed in remote work situations.
- **Company Structure and Promotion Risks:** Differences in management structures across countries can hinder career advancement for teams in outsourcing locations, often leading to dissatisfaction and low morale.
- **Cultural Perceptions:** The talk discusses how cultural backgrounds affect observation and decision-making, contrasting Western individualistic approaches with Eastern collective perspectives.
- **Navigating Language Differences:** Walter-Dzikowska shares insights into how language nuances can lead to miscommunication, citing examples of idiomatic expressions and direct versus indirect communication styles.
- **Strategies for Effective Communication:** She advocates for establishing communication contracts and simplifying messages to enhance clarity in cross-cultural interactions. Training in non-violent communication can also foster better understanding.

In conclusion, the talk emphasizes the necessity for ongoing cultural education and face-to-face interactions to truly grasp the complexities of international cooperation. Walter-Dzikowska recommends reading a specific book for those wishing to delve deeper into effective international collaboration, suggesting that improved methods can lead to more fruitful global office environments.

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