Learn β€’ Anywhere
Rumie logo

Have you ever experienced culture shock when moving to a new country or discovering a new culture?A cat looks surprised.

Working with people from different cultures is a very exciting experience as you have the opportunity to learn about diverse perspectives and broaden your cultural awareness.

It's essential to keep in mind a few things:

  • communication styles

  • respect for traditions

  • sensitivity to taboos

  • team dynamics

Be adaptable and open-minded, as ignorance could potentially lead to uncomfortable situations between you and your colleagues.

Communication Styles

When communicating with people from different cultures, it's important to understand that they may have different values, beliefs, norms, and behaviors, which are reflected in how they communicate.

Three vintage telephones hanging on a wall.Photo by Pavan Trikutam on Unsplash

Effective communication is essential for understanding cultural differences, as what is considered rude in one culture may be interpreted as a form of respect in another.

For example, while some Americans value direct eye contact, it's considered a rude gesture in some Asian cultures.

Did you know?

β€œPeople from Western European cultures and white Americans are often relatively comfortable expressing that they 'feel sad.' In some other cultures, people may feel more comfortable showing different emotions, such as anger. In some cultures (for example, some East Asian cultures), expressing any strong emotions could be considered inappropriate."

Respect for Traditions

To prevent awkward situations, it's essential to respect and understand traditions, rituals, and customs. This fosters an inclusive and harmonious work environment.

A group of people in a mosque praying.Photo by Rumman Amin on Unsplash

I encountered a situation at work where a manager instructed me not to include specific colleagues in training due to it being a sacred period for them, namely Ramadan.

Initially, I was unfamiliar with Islam, and I didn't comprehend why a month-long celebration would affect training.

However, after some research on Google, I learned that many Muslims fast strictly from dawn to dusk during Ramadan, abstaining from both food and drink, including water. Some Muslims may also go to the mosque and pray for a few hours.

Sensitivity to Taboos

In every culture, there are taboos. When working with people from different cultures, it is essential to be open-minded and acknowledge that each culture has its own perceptions. What you may find acceptable to discuss or do might be considered insulting in another culture.

A game show hosts makes the 'stop' gesture with his hands.

In my country (and in many other cultures), it's considered rude to address an elderly person as "you", or to people who hold a certain authority, such as teachers or bosses.

Upon arriving in the UK, I experienced culture shock when I noticed that everyone addresses everyone with β€œyou”. It took me a good few months to adjust to this communication style.

Did you know?

In France, it's often considered inappropriate to gift wine.

Team Dynamics

The cohesion of a work team can be influenced by the way hierarchy and authority are perceived. In hierarchical cultures, the emphasis is on respecting superiors and following instructions without asking questions.

In contrast, egalitarian cultures promote an open work environment where employees can challenge ideas and instructions, enjoying equal rights.

Photo by Vlad Hilitanu on UnsplashPhoto by Vlad Hilitanu on Unsplash

I observed these details, particularly when I was teaching English at a university. Most students from Asian cultures tended to be quieter, addressing the tutors as Mr./Madam and waiting for clear instructions before starting a task.

On the other hand, students from Europe were more talkative and tended to ask a lot of questions.

Did you know?

First names are often used in egalitarian cultures, while in hierarchical cultures such as China and India, titles and honorifics are expected to be acknowledged.

How to Be More Culturally Sensitive?

Flaticon Icon

  • Research: Read books, blogs, articles, and watch documentaries about different places and societies.

Flaticon Icon

  • Listen and observe: Pay attention to how colleagues from different cultures speak and behave.

Flaticon Icon

  • Be open-minded: Every culture has its stereotypes when viewed from the outside. It's important not to judge, to show respect, and to get to know people without relying on stereotypes.

Flaticon Icon

  • Ask questions: When you're unsure how to behave or act in a certain situation, asking questions respectfully is key. Curiosity is more highly valued than ignorance.

Flaticon Icon

  • Think about your cultural habits: Take a moment to reflect on your own culture. You'll likely recognize that your behavior is influenced by it, and your perceptions have much in common with your culture. By understanding this, you can appreciate that different cultures have distinct viewpoints and perceptions.

Quiz

You're in Chile for a business meeting. When the meeting is over, everyone is invited to have pizza. You see that your colleagues from Chile start using knives and forks, but you usually eat pizza with your hand. What do you do?

Take Action

A man walking through a canyon near the Hollywood sign says, 'And just like that, made it.'

License:

This Byte has been authored by

IM

Iulia Musat

L&D Admin

BA

English

πŸͺ We use technical and analytics cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. more info