How to Fit into a Multicultural Work Place
We live in a multicultural world, full of varied ideas, beliefs and cultural backgrounds mixing in constant flux. This phenomenon is contemporary to our increased globalization, where multicultural workplaces are not just a result, but the desirable mirror of a plural and diverse society. Diversity brings about debates on openness, inclusiveness, communication, and respect, while cultural competence, the ability to interact effectively with people from other cultures, becomes one of the critical skills to master in these working environments.
Cultural diversity manifests in the values, norms, and traditions that affect the way different members of a group typically perceive, think, interact, behave, and make judgments in the workplace. The capacity to adapt to a multicultural workplace will depend significantly on the awareness that each individual has of his or her cultural worldview, the knowledge of other cultural practices, the tolerant attitude towards cultural differences, and his or her cross-cultural skills.
Cultural differences affect almost all interactions at work, but the most significant are:
• Communications: how and when information is provided in an accurate and promptly manner; on direct or indirect ways.
• Team-building: some cultures are individualistic, others foster teamwork.
• Time awareness: the balance between work and family life, social behaviour, fixed or flexible deadlines.
• Beliefs: religious events and holidays affect people’s schedules and calendars.
• Worldview: in charge of fate or meant to be; active or passive attitude.
• Formality: dress code, greetings, body language, respect.
• Hierarchy: horizontal or vertical; leadership style.
Entering an international or multicultural workplace can be both an adventure and a challenging process. Regardless of which country you are from, it is common to go through a period of cultural adjustment when you must interact with people whose culture is different from yours. In the beginning, you may experience temporary feelings of confusion, stress or disorientation, but some strategies can help you fit quicker and easier into place:
1. Be open-minded: an open mind brings about flexibility and an honest interest in learning and understanding different cultures. Adjusting does not mean changing your values, but respecting and understanding those of others.
2. Research the environment: collecting information about the workplace, its people and social culture in areas of customs, traditions, beliefs and general way of life will save you time towards adapting well.
3. Go beyond stereotypes: look past preconceived ideas, appreciate individuals and look for the good in them beyond ethnic biases, nationalities or culture.
4. Don’t be arrogant about your culture: no single culture is perfect, they all have their peculiarities. Accepting and respecting the differences and uniqueness of each culture will help others accept yours as well.
5. Consider that culture is relative: avoid labeling customs, habits and ideas as "good" or "bad" according to the culture you belong to. New rules only make sense inside of a particular working environment.
6. Use your observation and listening skills: pay attention to both the verbal and nonverbal communication of others around you to get a complete picture of the working environment and to know what is expected of you.
7. Ask questions: asking for an explanation is not a sign of weakness. Understanding others and making yourself understood in a diverse environment requires rephrasing, repeating and clarification.
8. Be patient: you will inevitably make mistakes. If you can find the humor in these situations, others will likely respond with friendliness and support. When someone makes an inaccurate assumption about your culture, consider that it is probably due to a lack of information.
Companies benefit from their multicultural workforce in many ways: Increased innovation and creative problem solving, a broader pool of skilled and talented people, profitability, are some of the main advantages. According to the Harvard Business Review, diversity drives innovation and performance in companies where its leaders exhibit diversity traits like gender, ethnic, cultural differences, and experience of working in other countries. These types of diversified leadership tend to foster inclusiveness, allowing people to “think out of the box” and to express their ideas freely.
Adapting to a multicultural working environment is an ongoing process. It may be challenging at times, but in general, you may find that interacting with people from diverse cultures is highly rewarding. It will help you broaden your worldview, learn more about yourself and your culture, and develop greater confidence and cross-cultural skills. In turn, the company will benefit from your unique input, diverse knowledge, and experiences. The overall output of these diversely rich workplaces is that by promoting inclusiveness and openness, they increase innovation, creativity, and prosperity within and far beyond the organization.
written by Paula Arellano Geoffroy for Together Abroad