Cross-cultural factors
Different cultures vary in power distance, collectivism vs individualism, and tolerance for uncertainty.
Power distance
Power distance is the measure of how evenly a culture expects power to be distributed.
| High power distance | Low power distance |
|---|
| Power is concentrated in a few people | Power is more evenly distributed |
| Subordinates are given less important work and expect clear guidance from above | Subordinates are trusted with important assignments |
| Friendships tend to stay within the social class | Friendship is encouraged between social classes |
| Confrontation and assertiveness are viewed as threatening | Assertiveness is a positive behaviour |
| High degree of respect for authority and title | Authority is somewhat distrusted |
| Examples include India, Japan, and the Philippines | Examples include the United States, Canada, and Sweden |
Collectivist vs individualist outlooks
| Collectivist | Individualist |
|---|
| Members are responsible for the whole | Members are responsible for themselves |
| Being successful means how much one benefits the group | Being successful means one is more successful than one’s peers |
| Members prize their similarity of others in the group | Members prize power and individual accomplishment |
| Cooperation is important | Achievement is important |
Tolerance for uncertainty
| High tolerance for uncertainty | Low tolerance for uncertainty |
|---|
| Ambiguity is accepted as normal | Ambiguity causes anxiety |
| Bending the rules is okay | Rules and structure are preferred |
| Risk is just a part of business | Risks should be avoided in business |
| Innovation is encouraged | New ideas are more difficult to introduce |
| Example is traditional corporate culture in the United States | Example is traditional corporate culture in Germany |
Improving cross-cultural competencies
- Strong listening skills are the most important
- Use affirmation and encouragement when speaking
- Phrase requests clearly
- Express your opinions with sensitivity
- Ask questions (politely) to help expand your cultural competency
- Observe dress, body language, and interaction
- Pay attention to personal space
- In Asia and some southern European countries people generally expect much less personal space, which may seem intrusive to those from the U.S.