Cultural Differences – Expectations

Hi, It’s my time to blog again – and this is my birthday week – so I am going to take advantage of it and have some fun.

Just to let you know:  I am currently teaching at Keller School of Management.  Teaching several MBA courses which include Leadership & Organizational Development, Business Planning, and International Business.

In the International Business class we discussed the differences in values, ways of working, and even the economic climate between cultures that can be called ‘individualistic” and those that are “collectivistic.” Here in the US of A, we still tend towards the individualistic, although we are really a combination and moving towards the collectivist side.  However, we believe we are rugged individualists and want to be rewarded for our individual contributions – merit rewards.

People from socialistic backgrounds thing “being fair” means equal rewards even with different outputs.  So, in these countries/cultures, raises and promotions should be based on seniority, not accomplishment.

How does that affect managing projects?  A lot!  It has to do with attitude and expectation.  If mediocrity is OK since my job is secure anyway, why should I stretch myself, strain myself, work all hours just to please you – my project manager?  How come the other guy is showing off?  How come he/she wants to be recognized as an individual contributor and is complaining that I’m not holding up my share of the workload? 

Thus different values, expectations have a tremendous impact on what we do and how we work together.

I’ll be talking about the conflict this creates when I speak on January 21st to the PM-PM Sig for Silicon Valley at UCSC Extension.  Come and share your experiences with me.

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About the Author

ArLyne Diamond

Multi-faceted like a Diamond, ArLyne Diamond, Ph.D. is internationally known for her consulting which enables people to get the most out of themselves and others. She is a consultant, educator, trainer and noted public speaker. Dr. Diamond has had two of her books published, well over 200 articles and is frequently quoted by others. (Google ArLyne Diamond for a partial list.) She appears regularly on radio and TV as a content expert. Her clients range in industry, size, and success. From New York to California, From USA to Europe, Israel and Asia, she deals with all issues that enable people to work more effectively with each other. She has been successfully consulting to high tech and low tech companies, manufacturing facilities, retail and professional practices, government agencies, and sales organizations for well over twenty years. In addition, she is a highly acclaimed Professor of Management, Marketing and Psychology courses, having taught at several universities and colleges throughout California. ArLyne works with CEOs, leaders and managers individually and in groups. Her content ranges from all issues related to leading and managing people, processes, products and programs to strategy and tactics for individual professional development. In addition, she counsels, trains and coaches people dealing with issues of diversity, discrimination, sexual harassment, conflict and change. Known to be warm, witty and highly practical, clients find her approach refreshing and useful. She is well received at all levels in a company, and her evaluations of her workshops and courses are consistently outstanding. Dr. Diamond founded Diamond Associates in 1981. Information can be found by visiting her website: www.DiamondAssociates.net. She can be reached by e-mail at ArLyneD@aol.com, or by telephoning 408-554-0110 or e-mailing ArLyne@DiamondAssociates.net.
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2 Responses to “Cultural Differences – Expectations”

  1. Yes, it is a difficult question. While seniority has nothing to do with contribution or value, our traditional ways of recognition and reward ignore the fact that most of what we accomplish is attributable to the systems we work within, not to our individual efforts. If you haven’t already, check out the works of W. Edwards Deming and Peter Senge.

    Reply

  2. Thanks Scott. Part of what’s so wrong with our California school system is the seniority – tenure system. ArLyne Diamond, Ph.D.

    Reply

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