Lisa M. Beihoff

MT302 Organizational Behavior

Unit: 3

Title of Assignment: Managers Understanding

Differences Across Cultures

Date: 7/14/12

We will discuss how managers can use their understanding of differences in values to

communicate more effectively with employees from another culture.

We will examine the cultures of Pakistan and of the United States of America. In order

to understand an effective means of communication, we need to acknowledge the

difference in values.

We can look at previous studies where work related values were examined in order to

understand the varying degrees to which different countries accept and engage in their

roles in society.

We find there are many ways to approach these variables. A widely referenced

approach to understanding these varying cultural values and in interpreting effective

interaction methods we discuss here.

As per Robbins and Judge (2013), A survey was performed by Geert Hofstede in the

late 1970’s which studied employees in 40 countries regarding their work related values

and found they vary on five (5) dimensions of national culture.

1. “Power distance –the degree to which people in a country accept that power in

institutions and organizations is distributed unequally

High power-means large inequalities of power and wealth are tolerated.

Low power-means society stresses need for equality.

2. Individualism versus Collectivism

Individualism is the degree to which people act as individuals rather then groups.

Collectivism is a tight social framework in which they are part of a group and

expected to look after each other too.

3. Masculinity versus Femininity

Masculinity is the degree to which society favors the masculine roles such as

achievement, power, and control as opposed to viewing women as equals.

Femininity is where the culture sees little difference between male and female roles

and women are treated as equals to men in all respects.

4. Uncertainty Avoidance

The degree to which people in a country prefer structure over unstructured situations.

Cultures with high uncertainty avoidance have increased anxiety about uncertainty

and ambiguity and use laws to reduce the uncertainty. Low Uncertainty cultures are

less rule oriented, accept change more readily and take more risks.

5. Long Term versus Short Term Orientation

Long Term People look toward the future and value thrift, persistence and tradition.

Short Term Orientation people value the here and now; they accept change more

readily and don’t see commitments as impediments to change.”

We look at:

(pages 150-152).

Noted are the variances in Power Distance, (accepting organized power) where the US ranks

38 and Pakistan 32. Next a difference in Individualism and Collectivism, great difference in

rank of US-#1 and Pakistan #47-48. Almost surprisingly, Masculinity and Femininity being

more acceptable ranks the US at 15 and Pakistan 25-26. Uncertainty Avoidance where people

with low scores take more risks brings the United States ranking 43 and Pakistan 24-25. A

nation with more long term orientation brings the US to 27 and Pakistan 34.

Examining these differences can help managers realize culture does impact an employees

value system and this can be acknowledged when communicating across the globe. However

the study was performed many years ago and data results may differ today. Never the less, the

charting system gives an intelligent template of which characteristics may differ for cultures.

We realize through the chart there are differences and people may have varying perspectives on

work environments molded by their culture. Managers need to do things differently when

communicating with employees from Pakistan as opposed to the U.S. culture in order to be

effective.

We can look at the Centre for Intercultural Learning (2012) which states “When meeting a

female Pakistani, a male should not try to shake her hand until and unless she extends her hand

first. A foreigner female can, however, shake hand with a male Pakistani. There is no set distance

while talking to a Pakistani. Also making a regular eye contact is not important. In fact,

maintaining a constant eye contact with a person of opposite sex is considered rude and

unethical.” (page 1). The introduction of a manager to an employee can mean a lot of differences

in another culture, when working with a Pakistan person it could help to understand their

process.

Also examined can be the qualities a Pakistan person may find important in their manager.

According to the Centre for Intercultural Learning (2012) “Education and experience are regard-

ed as the most important qualities of a local as well as non-local superior/manager.

Family background and personal network are also considered very important for local managers.

Leadership and hard work, though taken positively, are considered the least important.

However, making quick and timely decisions and sticking by your staff are considered extremely

important qualities. Pakistanis are used to giving and taking direct orders and consensus building

and teamwork are considered more of a western thing. Getting to know your subordinate staff

on a personal level helps at times but can create more work related hassles especially if the staff

members are female or of much lower cadre. Getting to know "how your staff view you" is very

difficult and tricky in Pakistan. On the surface, Pakistanis are very polite and would never tell you

on your face if they don’t like you or something about you.

Pakistanis try their best to get along with their superiors and would seldom complain about the

management style. But if you are a good manager, it will definitely show in your staff’s

performance at work. Good managers can usually get a lot of mileage out of their staff in

Pakistan. Pakistanis are usually hard working people and don’t mind working overtime and on

weekends. But they expect due recognition and appreciation. Cash compensation works well

with low-paid staff while commendation letter, gifts and upgrading of position/title goes well

with other, senior staff.” (Page 1).

Here we notice their views which may differ from the “western ideas” of teamwork.

Understanding they do in fact want to be individuals as well, can aid the communication

process.

Yet contrary to the freedom of individuality, they also have strict religious , ethnicity and

gender values.

As per a local Pakistan perspective states (the Centre for Intercultural Learning 2012),

“Pakistan has a purely male-dominated society where very little recognition is accorded to

female segment of the society. Mostly consisting of a tribal set-up, the Pakistani society is

run by norms and traditions set by men. The religion of Islam also provides enormous

powers to the men and all decisions about women’s involvement in the society e.g.

education, marriage, work, travel etc. are made by their family male members. Pakistanis

don’t like to discuss their women in public and gender equality/women’s rights are

commonly perceived as a western effort to undermine their society. “ (page 1).

The United States has been through the feminist movement and women are

fighting for equality even today. The US even has organizations

such as the National Organization for Women which take action for women's equality.

As per Now 2012, “The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization

of feminist activists in the United States. NOW has 500,000 contributing members and 550

chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Since its founding in 1966, NOW's goal has been to take action to bring about equality for all

women. NOW works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools,

the justice system, and all other sectors of society; secure abortion, birth control and

reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism,

sexism and homophobia; and promote equality and justice in our society.” (about now para

1). When managers are dealing with foreign cultures they need to be sensitive to the belief

systems of the other colleague.

Normal small talk to Americans regarding family may need to be avoided with Pakistan as

they do not want to discuss women.

This information can be applied regarding the differences in values of another culture to

make daily interactions outside of the work environment more successful. This can be

done by being more aware of the culture differences and value. Being more observant and

more sensitive to others ideas can create better environments.

Another way to apply this is understanding their daily routine procedures. As per the

Centre for Intercultural Learning 2012, “But those coming for the first time to Pakistan, it

takes a while to get to know the right people. While in business or at work, you get to

know people fast as they would like to know you on a more personal basis. Invite someone

for lunch or dinner and you will also be invited - Pakistanis do things on reciprocal basis.

But it is most likely that you, being a foreigner or outsider, will get the invitation first.

Make sure you invite them as well. Occasional after-office meetings and dinner parties

are important to further such relationships. Gifts like souvenirs from your country, a tie,

a pair of socks, a sweater or a scarf, are usually highly appreciated and taken very

personally. “ (Page 1).

Learning what another finds acceptable and inviting can help initiate a better

relationship.

Robbins and Judge 2013 states “Values provides understanding of the attitudes,

motivations and behaviors. This influences the perception of the world around us.”

(Chapter 5). In knowing that values influence behaviors we see that values of others

truly have a great impact on views of right and wrong.

In order for a manager to have the employee be the right fit for the occupation, they can

use Personality Evaluation Methods such as self reports.

As per Robbins and Judge 2013, “There are two (2) dominant frameworks to

describe personality. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and The Big Five Model” (Chap

5).

Use of these and other evaluations can help indicate if a personality matches the position.

Testing results would be interesting in the responses comparing answers from US

and Pakistan. These values and personality traits could help determine the work

behavior such as performance, team-work related attitudes,

ability and absenteeism and level of commitment to the organization.

Once managers understand there is indeed a difference in values its moving towards

more effective communications. Managers then understand they need to communicate

differently.

As per AMF 2010, Managers when increasing their understanding of culture and cross-

cultural interactions helps to develop their awareness and cross-cultural communication

skills. “They can then

•Conduct a diversity analysis of their business strategies and operations

•Develop an action plan for managing cultural diversity in their businesses

•Learn about available resources and support services” (Page 7).

This process also helps us in everyday life as we become more educated and

understanding of cultural differences, and better communicators globally.

References

Centre for Intercultural Learning (2012). Cultural Information – Pakistan. Retrieved from: http://www.intercultures.ca/cil-cai/ci-ic-eng.asp?iso=pk

ClipArt (2012) Images. Retrieved from Microsoft Office Clip Art Search

Now.org (2012). About NOW. Retrieved from: http://www.now.org/organization/info.html

Robbins, S. P. & Judge, T.A. (2013). Organizational Behavior (15th ed.). Upper Saddle  River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Australian Multicultural Corp. (2010). Managing Cultural Diversity Training Manual. Retrieved from: http://amf.net.au/library/uploads/files/MCD_Training_Program_ Resource_Manual.pdf