The first thing to realize about culture shock is that it’s perfectly natural to experience it. Despite how often culture shock occurs, though, a lot of people are resistant to talk about it, and that’s one of the biggest mistakes you can make. If you feel yourself going through culture shock, take some time to reach out to others, especially other travelers, for help in adjusting to your new culture.
One of the other things you can do is force yourself to engage more in the culture that you’re immersed in. This can be difficult to do, because part of culture shock is feeling unhappy with the culture. But, as Robert Frost once said, “The best way out is always through.” Going out and interacting with the culture that surrounds you is going to help you overcome some of the difficulties you’ll be encountering.
Another thing that many people don’t think about is making sure to stay healthy while in their new home. One of the things that people with culture shock are tempted to do is stay home and eat junk food. It’s understandable, but it’s also unfortunate, because eating well and staying physically active can play an important role in not only staying physically healthy, but mentally healthy as well.
Staying in touch with your family and friends back home can be an important tool to help you avoid culture shock. Luckily, today it’s easier to do this than ever before – in addition to making long-distance phone calls and writing letters or postcards, you also have the option of using tools like webcams, email, and social networks to take part in more immersive conversations with people. Family and friends are often the foundation that we build our sense of self upon, so keeping the foundation strong can be essential in working through your feelings of culture shock.
Lastly, make sure to keep a realistic perspective. The honeymoon stage of culture shock involves you getting an unrealistically positive idea of the culture you’re immersed in, but the next stage involves an unrealistically negative idea of it, coupled with an unrealistically positive idea of your culture at home. Like they say, “the grass is often greener on the other side” – it’s important to keep a level head about your experience and remember that neither side is full of green grass and roses. Saving Changes...
Joseph PanganSenior Principal Consultant| Genpact PhilippinesAngeles City, Philippines, Philippines
Acknowledge the shock.
Practice mindfulness.
Educate yourself about the culture.
Interact.
Evaluate/Analyze the feasibility of your adaption/embracing of the culture.
Feasible?
YES - embrace the culture. Enjoy the experience.
NO - Leave. You can't force yourself if it is not for you.
There are cultures though that are ethically wrong and may potentially be issues that project managers could face. Like cultures condoning discrimination and culture where bribery is rampant.
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1 reply by Denathayalan Ramasamy
Mar 07, 2022 4:31 AM
Denathayalan Ramasamy
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Agree with you on sequential steps; you made the conversation simple one
Saving Changes...
Akhilesh SoorajTeam Leader - Process & Methods Team Leader| KNORR-BREMSE Technology Center India Private LimitPune, Maharashtra, India
In My team, the first training identified as a part of induction is 'Intercultural Training'.
In this training, we (both Indian & German colleagues) sat through the work/social-cultural training for 2 days. the questions about what to do and what is expected in a commonly occurring situation in a team and project are discussed.
It really gave some huge value to my team I believe because my team is identified as the 'most collaborative team' in my location by the top management. Saving Changes...
Alok PriyadarshiProject Manager| Tata Consulting Engineers LimitedJamshedpur, Jharkhand, India
Interesting discussion... Saving Changes...
Shivanjali BhutkarBringing Technology and Business togetherNa, Ca, United States
agree with above comments from Resu. Saving Changes...
Michael HoardFounder & CEO| Michael Hoard ConsultingHope Valley, Ri, United States
Dec 27, 2015 9:01 PM
Replying to Steven Zachary
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Hi Fouad,
I would say don't avoid it but embrace it. I'm always fascinating in discussing with others the differences between what I claim is "ordinary" in one culture and they assure me is really not in theirs. It's a learning opportunity. Of course I refer to more social situations, but it's usually a great way to strike up conversations in customs and discuss the best and worst of both worlds.
I agree 100%. Embrace it and use it a means to grow. Exposure to different ideas and concepts is a great way to innovate and push what you do to new levels. Culture shock does not always have to be a negative thing. Saving Changes...
In my opinion, based on my observations, people immigrate to good prospect locations without doing their homework. They want the best that has to offer from that place, but they are unwilling to embrace the totality of that culture. I feel they should do their homework, evaluate the place (not just opportunities, but also culture, people mindset, etc) and see if that suits for them. You cannot pick a location that offers best schooling for kids, very high pay, good employment opportunities, low taxes but you don't accept their way of living and mindset. I feel that is hypocrisy. Saving Changes...
NITIN MITTALSr. Project Manager - Professional Services| USADenver, Co, United States
This is the best opportunity to unwire your mind and learn new paradigms. Must celebrate if gifted with this opportunity. Saving Changes...
You need to start the "Diversity & Inclusion" program Saving Changes...
Maya KalachHead of PMO, IT| Middle East AirlinesBeirut, Lebanon
Emotional intelligence is key to facilitate facing cultural shocks. Saving Changes...
Senthil SPM III| GGS Information Services IncChennai, Tamil Nadu, India
I did not see a question here rather answers and opinions in your question. So I assume you have answers with you already. However, my two cents:
a) Before a culture shock is anticipate (i.e., opportunities coming up on working abroad or with members outside your comfort zone, remote teams, etc), make sure you have undergone necessary trainings & practice to reinforce them and you know what to do and what not to do.
b) After a culture shock - use the training you had undergone and past experiences and lessons learnt, to ensure you cushion that and the best you can do is to try to understand and realize the situation and then reach out for help if you do not know what to do about it.
