When working in a multicultural project, it is good practice to learn about the other person's culture and try to adapt, perhaps even 'do as they do' at times.
In your opinion and/or experience, where do you draw the line in the different cultural adaptability scenario? Do you think it is rude to say 'no thank you' to some things? Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Tiago, over the years, I've worked internationally on projects where we had people from different nationalities and cultures. There are two sides to this:
1) The culture of the country you are working in (if you're working in a foreign country) and you need to adapt to this culture and ensure you respect their traditions.
2) The culture of the people you work with. You don't need to fully adapt to others cultures but you need to learn about their culture in order to make sure you always respect their values and in some cases you might need to tailor your communication keeping their cultural values in mind.
Saying no, shouldn't be rude if you say it in a politically correct way and if its not for a core cultural value. Saving Changes...
To add to Rami's feedback, this happens even with a project where everyone is local as everyone has different experience, education, upbringing and family culture which they bring to the table.
Three principles I follow are:
- Know your own values and boundaries and don't cross those
- Be curious
- Develop and evolve working agreements to incorporate cultural differences as strengths and not as impediments
Coming from the Hospitality industry, I have myself worked and managed people from all different backgrounds and cultures. It really enhanced my sensibility to other people’s feelings and sharpened my emotional intelligence skills.
This experience also brought to light my ability to look at any situation from both angles and able to empathise with other people’s experiences.
I have used different cultures and traditions to build a relationship with staff members both under and above me in the company - it’s a great conversation starter!
...
1 reply by Sergio Luis Conte
Feb 07, 2024 5:07 AM
Sergio Luis Conte
...
Because of your expertise I think is better to use predictability instead of adaptability. At least is what I tried to do mainly because I am working with people of different countries and cultures and different ages.
Saving Changes...
Azizur RahamanPM Consultant| WARA HospitalHawali, Kuwait, Kuwait
Hi Tiago,
You raised a very good and sensitive point, learning others culture and respect it is very vital to get sucessful. I also agree with Rami that you no need to follow other culture completely. Some time you find a culture which is against your culture but we need to restect and comunicate. Communication is key. Saving Changes...
It is nice to know their culture and try to understand their behaviors. However, I think we could develop a culture based on common values and rely on that as the basis of our behaviors, that would be better. Joining new faces would be less challenging. Saving Changes...
We can and should create a culture based on common values, however we cannot ignore the fact that someone’s behavior and understanding of some topics can be unconsciously influenced by their culture and upbringing even when integrated into a culture based on common values. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Feb 05, 2024 8:01 PM
Replying to Tiago Lourenco PMP® MSc
...
Hi both,
I really appreciate your contributions.
Coming from the Hospitality industry, I have myself worked and managed people from all different backgrounds and cultures. It really enhanced my sensibility to other people’s feelings and sharpened my emotional intelligence skills.
This experience also brought to light my ability to look at any situation from both angles and able to empathise with other people’s experiences.
I have used different cultures and traditions to build a relationship with staff members both under and above me in the company - it’s a great conversation starter!
Because of your expertise I think is better to use predictability instead of adaptability. At least is what I tried to do mainly because I am working with people of different countries and cultures and different ages. Saving Changes...
Kgobalale John MalatjiProjects Portfolio Manager | Noko-impJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Hi Tiago
Crucial point since projects are delivered through people. Therefore in addition to avoid unnecessary conflicts, which deflects attention from project objectives, it is important to understand your environment and individual team members and stakeholders in order to also enhance an enabling environment/culture. Saving Changes...
Tony SadowskiProject Manager| Pomeroy TechnologiesMooresville, Nc, United States
I agree that you need to respect each others cultures and viewpoints. Show compassion and undestanding to others, However, at the same time, you will need to do what is in the best interest of the project owner/stakeholders. Saving Changes...
Let’s go deeper then: how committed are you if some or any of a client’s traditions go against your religious beliefs, for example.
I guess what I’m trying to ask here is: is there ever a line we won’t cross in your opinion/experience?
I think that yes, there is a limit depending on your belief system and background. And a way to resolve this, as we are Project Managers with people and communication skills, is to communicate effectively while utilising your emotional intelligence so you’re not disrespecting someone else’s culture while getting your reasons across.
At the end of the day, if the client is so difficult and incapable of understanding that there are other cultures and beliefs out there, is it going to be a project we should and need to be part of? The answer is probably no.
...
1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Feb 07, 2024 1:25 PM
Rami Kaibni
...
Tiago, I guess respect goes both ways. If people expects you to be considerate of their cultural values then they should hold themselves to the same. Try to explain to them "why" in a politically correct fashion and this is all you can do quite honestly so if the client has no desire to respect your beliefs and culture then the decision will come down to you: Is it a hill to die on or you can let it go this time?
Community Champion
