Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Every country has their own cultural rules. As a multi-cultural organization operating in that specific country, you can enforce part of the organizational culture but you might have to tailor other to comply with the specific country cultures. Usually risks arising from cultural differences are identified during planning stage, at least most of them.
From you experiences, what could be a cultural risk ? Moreover, have you ever encountered an Unknown-Unknown Cultural Risk ? Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
There are two cultural risks: one negative and one positive. The negative cultural risk boils down to miscommunication. The positive cultural risk is the diversity of perspective and thinking you can bring to bear on a problem or issue.
...
1 reply by Vincent Guerard
Apr 02, 2016 4:53 PM
Vincent Guerard
...
Stephane, good points
I would add that the miscommunication risk is true but could be greatly mitigate by simple clear communication. It can become a plus. Often we take for granted that people will understand with too limited information. Multicultural context impose communication that are more clear, in order to avoid misinterpretation, that is good for all team member.
I will add that many things are related to culture, the obvious one is religion but that should not be a problem since that is known. Language is one, the lunch break could be a surprise
For the Unknown-Unknown there should be one general for the project to include all unknown.
There are two cultural risks: one negative and one positive. The negative cultural risk boils down to miscommunication. The positive cultural risk is the diversity of perspective and thinking you can bring to bear on a problem or issue.
Stephane, good points
I would add that the miscommunication risk is true but could be greatly mitigate by simple clear communication. It can become a plus. Often we take for granted that people will understand with too limited information. Multicultural context impose communication that are more clear, in order to avoid misinterpretation, that is good for all team member.
I will add that many things are related to culture, the obvious one is religion but that should not be a problem since that is known. Language is one, the lunch break could be a surprise
For the Unknown-Unknown there should be one general for the project to include all unknown. Saving Changes...
Gina AbudiPresident| Abudi Consulting LLCAmherst, Nh, United States
Not understanding the other culture and how conflicts are perceived, decisions are made, collaboration is done, communication is conducted, etc. all introduces significant risk to the project.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Apr 02, 2016 7:59 PM
Replying to Gina Abudi
...
Not understanding the other culture and how conflicts are perceived, decisions are made, collaboration is done, communication is conducted, etc. all introduces significant risk to the project.
Absolutely True ! Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Interesting Stephane - Thanks for sharing. Saving Changes...
Jason BelangerConsultant| JB ConsultingTustin, Ca, United States
MIT psychology professor Edgar Schein claims "culture determines and limits strategy" in his 1985 book "Organizational Culture and Leadership". Having had the privilege to work the last 16 years on humanitarian and development projects in a number of countries across Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and face the challenges that arise from cultural differences...I couldn't agree more! Saving Changes...
Sujatha PVK NambiarSenior Director Program Management| International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI)West Windsor, Nj, United States
Good topic for discussion, Rami and thanks Stephane for the interesting link.
An example that comes to mind is defining a proper communication process upfront. A positive 'yes' stated at team meetings over the phone need not necessarily mean the work will be carried out as specified, it might be more 'yes, I understand or follow what the speaker is stating, but might not agree with the proposal'. It is important to follow up with a written communication to obtain approval. This simple aspect is sometimes realized at a later phase of the project and may lead to significant delays/risks.
...
1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Apr 13, 2016 11:18 AM
Rami Kaibni
...
Thanks for your input Sujatha - I agree with you, Ive seen this happening a lot.
Saving Changes...
Chad HarrisProject Manager III, PMP, MPM, MBA, CLSSGB| Memorial Health SystemSpringfield, Il, United States
My previous organization would provide several weeks of cultural training for anyone who would be taking an overseas rotation in order to help with the initial transition and decrease percentage of expatriates from returning early. Specifically, the program was designed to help an employee better understand the culture and values of the host country improving their chances of assimilating during their stay.
...
1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Apr 13, 2016 11:20 AM
Rami Kaibni
...
Thanks for contributing Chad - Indeed, training is very important but the employee at some point should be able to adapt to multi-cultures without the need of a "Specific-Culture" Training.
Community Champion
