Working with Multiple Cultures

Our Beliefs are different…

People have different experiences, education, religions, and values that form their beliefs. Unfortunately, because people feel that their beliefs are the “right” beliefs, this has been the cause of conflict throughout history and the basis of miscommunication.

History is different…

People’s history also causes them to develop assumptions and biases.? People may change over time and past experiences may be irrelevant, but they are not forgotten.? People also develop alliances for mutual benefit.? These alliances and past experiences become barriers that add to the complexity of getting people to collaborate.

Differentiate vs Separate…

In looking at people across all cultures, the only real characteristic that separates us is our socio-economic status, but what differentiates us – our traditions, behaviors, experiences, etc. – is what makes us interesting.

Characteristics that Differentiate Us

We must consider the characteristics that differentiate us.? These differentiating characteristics are what make us interesting. ?They enrich us and give us more than one way of being.?

• Our traditions – dress, food, music, etc.
• Our behaviors – how we act or conduct ourselves.
• Our experiences – good and bad.
• Our work ethics – how driven we are in achieving a purpose.
• Our religious practices – the methods in which we practice.
• Our relations – how we address each other; whether we ask about family before business, whether we hold our extended family near or distant.

Note: There should be no judgment – one difference is not better than another.? They are just different.

Social Norms

In working with people from different cultures, you need to understand their social norms.? Because each culture is different, take the time to prepare.

• Do you shake hands, touch noses, kiss the cheeks, or bow when greeting??
• How do you address the people?? Do you address the people by their first or last names or address them as, “Mr.” or “Miss”?
• What is the acceptable attire??
• The issue of “context” – do people relate to you if you ask about their family first or do they just want to get to business?? In some cultures, if you don’t ask about their family first, you will be perceived as cold and uncaring.
• When people “agree” – what does it really mean?? In some cultures, it means that they agree to think about it, or it means that they are simply validating the opinion of the senior person.
• Is humor accepted?? Using humor is difficult because what is humorous in one culture may not be in another.
• What about slang and word usage?? Language is not universal – all have variations.
• What about the work hours??
• What gestures are acceptable?? In some cultures, a gesture may be an innocent act and in another, it can be offensive.

Note: Research the cultural differences.? You can also obtain a copy of the book, Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands.? This book is used by the U.S. State Department to prepare their staff for overseas assignments.? Hint: When working in a different culture, ask the people to list the top 10 cultural differences you need to be aware of.? This will help you with understanding of their social norms.?

How Other Cultures Perceive You

Your skills are the same regardless of culture.? What does change is how you work with the different people and how the different people perceive your role.? You cannot change people’s perception of you.? Be aware of your perception of them and remember your attitude will affect how they perceive you.

• Different cultures view age as important.? You are respected if you are “grey-haired”.?
• Different cultures, especially in the western corporate culture, being strong and aggressive can be effective.? But, in working with a community group in a developing area, not so effective and you may alienate the people.
• Different cultures view male and female differently.? But their view changes as you work with them.

Different cultures make our world richer and far more interesting. If you observe and learn instead of judge, you'll enjoy the cultures.

What is your experience with different cultures?

How do you work with multiple cultures in one team?