On culturesby Ivana SendeckaBratislava, 12.05.2009

• Why we need to know about cultures?

• Six phases of understanding cultural differences

• CEE region specifics

• Middle eastern specifics

• Indian subcontinent specifics

• Key messages

AGENDA

Awareness about cultural differences helps us to be successful and accepted by clients and colleagues when collaborating.

We need to be cautious about very thin line, which is between respect and ignorance.

Consciousness about cultural aspects, will ease change resistance and will develop intimacy with other party.

What to be aware of?

Values

Traditions

Norms and beliefs• Org. structure and processes• Core values (corporate, personal)• Language and communication style

• Time perception• Age importance – seniority factor• Innovation acceptance & readiness

• National stereotypes• Religious aspects in daily life• Corporate culture

Let’s seek how to understand, not how to be understood.Let’s seek how to understand, not how to be understood.

• Why we need to know about cultures?

• Six phases of understanding cultural differences

• CEE region specifics

• Middle eastern specifics

• Indian subcontinent specifics

• Key messages

AGENDA

Inte

r-c

ult

ura

l se

nsi

tiv

ity

Low

High

2. Defence

Recognizes some differences, but sees them as negative

1. Denial

Does not recognize cultural differences

4. Acceptance

Shifts perspective to recognize that the same ordinary behaviours have different meanings in different cultures 5. Adoption

Can evaluate others’ behaviour from his or her frame of reference and can find a certain behaviour to fit the norms of a different culture

3. Ethnocentrism

Unaware of projection of his or her own culture values, sees his or her own values as superior

Interpreting the world around us & understanding it through the eyes of others is virtue of true leaders.

Interpreting the world around us & understanding it through the eyes of others is virtue of true leaders.

Time

Recognizing which phase are people in is essential when dealing with cultural norms& beliefs

There are six phases of evolution of cultural understanding

• Why we need to know about cultures?

• Six phases of understanding cultural differences

• CEE region specifics

• Middle eastern specifics

• Indian subcontinent specifics

• Key messages

AGENDA

Specifics mainly of:

Slovakia

and

Czech Republic

• Modest and not very initiative in the beginning of the new assignment

• Punctual and on time for meetings

• Active conversation must be encouraged through good facilitation

• Eager to learn new things quickly, once the initial resistance of change is melted.

• Socializing even after office hours and friendship atmosphere among colleagues is common

• People are jealous when others are more successful than they are

• Respect to hierarchy and authorities within company is quite strong

Invitation by Slovak for national plumb drink “Slivovica” is expression of sympathy and respect.Invitation by Slovak for national plumb drink “Slivovica” is expression of sympathy and respect.

Central Eastern Europe specifics

What to expect when dealing with CEE representatives:

• Why we need to know about cultures?

• Six phases of understanding cultural differences

• CEE region specifics

• Middle eastern specifics

• Indian subcontinent specifics

• Key messages

AGENDA

• Text

• Get used to answer on your request, which is: “Inshallah” (In God’s will). It means nor yes, nor no.

• Executives, local owners are part of the family and don’t spend much time in the office – they have more of the representative function

• Business affairs are held by “western” managers

• Positive attitude is well appreciated

• Friday, Saturday are weekend days

• Social connections are often more important than business relationship or expertise

• During Ramadan fasting don’t touch (handshake) the man, when you are woman

• Be ready to have late night meetings during Ramadan

• Use only right hand when eating without cutlery

• Question: “How is family doing” is very common

• Agree on the first offer of the price – bargain!

• Shake hand of the woman, unless she offers her hand

• Question absence on workplace when there is praying time (5 times a day)

• Give as a present chocolates with liquor / pork chips

• Always negotiate and be patient, time pressure and agreed deadlines doesn’t mean anything fixed

• Consider deal as closed once it is signed black on white on the paper (verbal agreements doesn’t count)

• Respect elders and senior people to you

• Proper follow up after meeting and get top

management involved

Do’s

Traditions

Do not’s

Some more specifics

Basic knowledge of Arabic language is excellent ice breaker: “Assallam-u Aleikum”Basic knowledge of Arabic language is excellent ice breaker: “Assallam-u Aleikum”

Doing business in the Middle East

Findings after three years spent in the hub of the Middle East - Dubai

• Why we need to know about cultures?

• Six phases of understanding cultural differences

• CEE region specifics

• Middle eastern specifics

• Indian subcontinent specifics

• Key messages

AGENDA

Good to know, that:

• Don’t rely on verbal agreements. Only “black on white” counts.

• Saying “no” is not applicable, even when deliverable cannot be finished on time, despite that you will be said that everything will be done.

• Shake of the head side to side means “yes”.

• Whole family is often involved into decision making process when investing or purchasing.

• Huge diversity of traditions are present and well respected (cast system, arranged marriages, religious beliefs etc.)

• Don’t make tea/ coffee or photo copy by yourself, “office boy” will feel offended that you do interfere into his duties.

Strong “Bollywood” movie culture is very precious part of the lives, therefore to know at least the name of actor Amithab Bachan is great to start bond with Indian colleagues.

Strong “Bollywood” movie culture is very precious part of the lives, therefore to know at least the name of actor Amithab Bachan is great to start bond with Indian colleagues.

Working with Indian nationals

Where as almost 70% of the Dubai’s population is from India, let’s summarize key points:

• Why we need to know about cultures?

• Six phases of understanding cultural differences

• CEE region specifics

• Middle eastern specifics

• Indian subcontinent specifics

• Key messages

AGENDA

• Cultural aspect is part of every environment, community or project

• People warmly welcome, when you show knowledge about their culture, habits, traditions or you can greet them in their mother tongue.

• Sharing lessons learned about cultural aspect must be part of our organizational culture and it can be developed to become competitive advantage.

• Invest time to learn about the people you work with, it will pay off instantly.

• When you accuse someone he is doing something wrong, it means: “ You don’t understand her/him.”

• Understanding of the cultural norms and beliefs is critical for interpreting behaviour

• Communication must be clear, open and transparent

• Carry always open mind with you.

• Be curious, learn, listen and look around...One is never done with learning.

What should you Take Away Home?

Contact details 2.0

Ivana SendeckáLifelong Learner

E-Mail: senda5@yahoo.comSkype: sendeckaTwitter: IvanaSuperCoolBlog: www.ivanasendecka.blogspot.com