Krunchian Role Play

There are 3 roles: Consultants, Customers, Observers

Consultants
You are about to undertake a consultation to teach the Krunchians how to make
airplanes – a vital boost to their economy. Since Krunchians do not read English
(although some may speak it), you will need to instruct them orally.

Remember, the Krunchians are a very proud of their ancient culture, so be careful not
to violate their laws, norms and customs. Unfortunately, since the Krunchians have
just resumed relations with our country, virtually nothing is known about their culture
at this time.

Proceed as follows in your planning session:

1. Create a design for a paper airplane that flies well – it should be capable of
flying in a straight line for at least 10 feet. Remember, the raw material for
your aircraft must be constructed from a piece of A4 paper. Once you have a
satisfactory prototype, use that as the design for the Krunchian airplanes.
2. Krunchia has strict import restrictions, so it will not be possible to take the
prototype with you when you consult with the Krunchians. However, they will
have all the raw materials and tools necessary to build the aircraft.
3. Every aircraft produced must have the symbol of the Krunchian National
Airline on the right side of the fuselage and on the upper and lower left wing.
The symbol of the airline is a picture of a carrot.
4. Plan for how you will instruct the Krunchians in the construction of the
aircraft. Organize the members of your consulting team to perform the roles
you will need to complete the instruction and help the Krunchians in their
initial effort.

Krunchian customers
Since the Krunchians are a very proud of their ancient culture, it is critical that you
adhere strictly to its rules. The instructor will appoint someone to the role of GRAND
POOH BAH. The Grand Pooh Bah is charged with enforcing the rules of the culture
and with punishing violators. The grand Pooh Bah punishes delinquents by exiling
them for various periods to the regions of darkness.

The rules of the Krunchian culture are as follows:

- There is strong religious taboo which forbids the sexes to touch certain objects
o Men may not touch scissors, rulers, metal
o Women may not touch paper, pens or pencils and wood
o To touch a forbidden object leads to instant banishment!
- Since Krunchia is a matriarchy, only women may exercise leadership, issue
commands, provide directions, etc. Directions by males are politely ignored.
- Krunchians have great respect for titles, hierarchy and status. They would
never argue with or question respected individuals such as the Grand Pooh
Bah or the American consultants. High status males are always addressed with
the honorary title of “Modom”, while high status females are addressed as
“Sur”.
 - Krunchians always place the welfare of the group ahead of the individual.
Krunchians lose face if their group fails at its tasks. They are also embarrassed
if individuals are singled out for praise or blame. Individual accomplishments
and errors are the responsibility of the group. Individuals who draw attention
to themselves are considered ill mannered. Repeat offenders are likely to be
banished to the regions of darkness.
- Krunchians are also risk avoiders. They never do anything unless they are
absolutely sure they understand what is expected. As a result, they require
very detailed instructions when they are learning a new task.
- Krunchians greet people by joining left hands, while placing the index finger
of the right hand on one’s own nose.
- Krunchians express agreement and understanding by patting the backs of their
heads.
- Krunchians express disagreement or lack of understanding by bowing from the
waist.

Observers
Watch this scenario unfold and determine:

- Did the consultants think about how to present their product?

- Did they take cultural differences into consideration?
- Did they observe cultural differences once they met with the Krunchians?
- Did they adapt?
- How would you evaluate their effort?