Cultural Risks

International Development PMO Risk Management

Rami Kaibni

Community Champion

Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates New 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 ?

Posted: Jan 3, 2016 4:25 PM

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Rami Kaibni

Community Champion

Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada

Apr 13, 2016 10:32 AM

Replying to Sujatha PVK Nambiar

...

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.

Thanks for your input Sujatha - I agree with you, Ive seen this happening a lot.

Posted: Apr 13, 2016 11:18 AM

Rami Kaibni

Community Champion

Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada

Apr 13, 2016 11:02 AM

Replying to Chad Harris

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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.

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.

Posted: Apr 13, 2016 11:20 AM

Eric Harter Estimating & Risk Management Team Manager| Siemens Energy - Field Service North America Oviedo, Fl, United States

When we introduce 'culture,' 'communications,' 'expectations,' etc., we are at risk of introducing a bias into risk management and alienating stakeholders: "you don't understand me." It is really all based on perspective and some poorly considered wording can cause damage.

Being a little nit picky, but by narrowly focusing on the cultural delta of concern, we can better address the possible effects and keep everyone on board....maybe even with the occasional chuckle!

Posted: Jun 7, 2016 1:31 PM

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