Bridging Differences: A Model for Effective Communication between Different Disciplines through Training Programmes for Professionals

Abstract

Training programmes have long recognised the importance of communication. However, not all programmes have fully understood that effective communication depends on understanding and communicating across a variety of differences, including professional differences, in order to achieve quality decision-making, if not ?break-through ideas?. The MBI model (Mapping, Bridging, Integrating), a three-component process, simply and clearly shows that understanding and a willingness to communicate from a neutral position can ?bridge differences? and lead to positive decision-making. Bridging differences is at the core of a postgraduate conservation training programme?the Architectural Conservation Programme (ACP) at The University of Hong Kong?and the programme, through its pedagogy, has been able to help its students better understand the differences between people (disciplines) involved in the field of conservation. Through a questionnaire and follow-up interviews, the success of the programme in bridging differences is evaluated. Recommendations for making the programme even more effective are discussed, and the potential of using the model for other kinds of training programmes in the field of conservation is noted.