Ethnocentrism

=Cultural Ethnocentrism= This barrier to change can work in one of two directions but regardless of the direction the underlying cause is an attitude of superiority. The first form of cultural ethnocentrism results from a change agent who, as stated by Ellsworth, "believes his own culture to be superior to that of the client system." This attitude of superiority can lead to resistance from the intended adopters. The second form of cultural ethnocentrism travels in the opposite direction, from the intended adopter to the change agent. In this form, the client system will project that their culture is superior and no innovation or idea from the change agent could be of any value. A simple phrase to help remind yourself the meaning of cultural ethnocentrism is "I'm better than you are." This childhood statement of superiority can be resurrected in a change effort by either the change agent or the client system.

It is suggested that when confronted with this form of resistance it is wise to include members of the client system in the change process. By allowing input from the client system all parties feel their needs are being considered and this barrier to change can be reduced.