Cross Cultural Sensitivity

Culture: It is like an iceberg. You can see a little of it, in the same way that we can see how we behave ‘on the surface’. But the biggest and most important part is our cultural values are -hidden below the surface.

Cultural Adjustment:

There are 3 stages of cultural adjustment.

Stage1: Enthusiasm and optimism, Individual

Is very positive about the new culture Is overwhelmed with impression

Stage 2: Confusion & resentment

Begins to interact with culture Begins to dislike Feels anxiety, and criticize other culture

Stage 3: Acceptance and understanding

Begins to understand more about people Feels more comfortable with new culture Regains sense of humor

Standard American social customs: (Dos):

Greetings: 1. Say How do you do, Good morning, Good evening, Good after noon. People say

Hi or Hello2. Men usually Shake hands when they meet. Women it is optional. While leaving

they say Good-bye, or Bye. Other words Have a nice day, See u later, nice to see you.

3. Close friends or family friends Kiss each other or hug each other.4. Persons in authority they add Mr or Ms. Example, Mr.president, Ms.First lady.5. Women prefer Mizz instead of Mrs. This is neutral6. We can call with first name for collegues and younger ones7. We can call using nick names

Friendship:1. Americans friendship is short term2. Usually they ask How are you?, How are you doing?. The answer is fine, thank

you. How are you?3. They communicate with touching behind shoulder or by hug4. Opposite sex live together without any romantic relationship5. Americans like welcoming people into their homes for hospitality6. They have less patience. So time management is important.7. They do not accept silence during conversation. They like to talk about weather,

sports Social Invitations:

1. They are polite. At the end of conversation, say let us meet for coffee, let us get together sometime. But without Time and Venue it is not confirmed

2. If we visit late 10 or 20 mins, they do not like it.3. Before visiting for a party we need to ask if it is formal, semi formal, or causal. So

dress code is important4. Formal visit gift is must…flowers, wine, chocos. Friends visit, it is optional5. After party, we need to send Thank you note

Dating:1. Men and women are both equal in American society.2. Men or Women anyone can ask permission for dating3. Men or Women anyone can pay money for dating expenses4. If a girl talking to you closely, that does not mean that she loves you

Personal Hygiene:1. Americans expect clean, make up. They expect cleanliness. They accept light

deodorants2. Neat shaving etc

Common mistakes Indians make:

1. Failure to understand time management2. Lack of documentation, everything keeping in the head3. Lack of email etiquette4. Not communicating in precise manner5. Not addressing people by first name6. Shaking of head gives lot of confusion7. Talking in regional language, when client is in the meeting

8. Initial stage, not asking more questions for doubts