Cultural Diversity

1. Cultural Diversity
IPMI International Business School
Amelia Naim Indrajaya

2. Agenda
• Culture, Diversity, Inclusion & Why it matters
• Challenges & Advantages of working Globally
• Strategies for Working Cross Culturally
• Group Challenge

3. What is Culture?
"Culture is the shared assumptions, values, and b
eliefs of a group of people which result in charact
eristic behaviors”.
Figuring foreigners out by Craig Storti.
The shared assumptions, values and beliefs of a group of people whi
ch result in characteristic behaviors / habits

4. What about Diversity?
Is the state or quality of being
different or varied.
Having many different forms, types
and ideas….
“It’s not what you look at what
matters, it’s what you see..”
-Henry David Thoreau
Age
Ethnicity
Appearance
Gender
Religion
Values
Education
Nationality
Sexual
orientation
Visible differences
Underlying differences
Disability

5. What is inclusion?
Inclusion is a sense of belonging; feeling respected, valued, and seen for who you are
; feeling a level of supportive energy and commitment from others so that you can d
o your best work.
Inclusion is making th
e mix work.

6. Why is Inclusion & Diversity so important?
Diversity is critical to innovate and adapt to
a fast-changing environment
Diversity is essential to an organizations’
growth…
… Diversity of perspectives, experience,
cultures, genders and age
Diversity improves creativity and problem
solving
Diversity breeds innovation…
…and innovation breeds business success!
“…….if we bring out the best of YOU we maximize the value of US.”

7. Working around the World
Advantages
Merging cultures
Clarity on roles &
responsibilities
Length of virtual meetings
Language barriers
Working with people we
don’t know
Timing of meetings
Requires more (conscious)
effort
Increased productivity
Increased creativity
& problem solving
Diversity of thought
Extending personal
networks
Variety of experience
and skills
Gain broader insights &
perspectives
Challenges

8. Strategies for Working Cross Culturally
Prepare ahea
d
Don’t assume
anything except
assume things
may take longer
Read & ask
questions
Learn about
cultures
Be willing to
adapt
Things which
work in your
culture may not
work in other
cultures
Practice style
switching
Listen and
observe
Be genuine &
authentic
Know your limits
& articulate the
m
Avoid dramatic
adjustments
Set clear
expectations
Provide reasons
Be explicit about
your style and
desired
outcomes
Establish trus
t
Share
information
openly &
willingly
Get know your
colleagues
Be transparent
Ask for help
Seek support
from a mentor
or buddy
Find someone
who can act as
a
cultural bridge

9. Working together
Noise exists
during course of
communication
Understand
your team
members’ style
Be patient and
sensitive to
others
What you say and
how you behave
(not what you think)
are impacting
others and how
others see you
Understand our
own style

10. Cultural Tips - Working with Americans
Informality
• Easy to start conversation
• Use of “you” and first
• name for addressing
• Smile often
• Use humor
• Avoid flattering language
Friendship
• A lot of acquaintances
• Fewer deeper friendships
• Focus on activity while
together
• Use of Professionals to get
help
• Friends based on common
interest
Communication
• Open & direct
• Seek quick conflict resolution
• Ping pong style exchange
Meetings
• Participants notify ahead of time if
they can’t attend
• Little small talk
• Everyone participates
• Well organized – follow agenda
• Result oriented
• Task oriented
• Data oriented
• Impatient with digression
• Avoid silence & long pauses
• Can end before all business is done
if time is up
• Often end with action plan
(i.e., follow up items)
• “Time is money” Americans often
get very annoyed if time
commitments are not honored
Decision Making
• Openly share ideas & opinions
• OK to question authority
• Manage considers participants’
input in final decision making
• No consensus is required
Vacation
People often do not take more
than a week’s vacation at a time.
Vacation is often taken during
March (school Spring Break),
Summer (July, August),
November (Thanksgiving) and
December (Christmas)

11. Cultural Tips – Middle East Countries
• Do not take photographs of local families without
permission
• Do not extend your hand to a local of the opposite
sex (unless he or she shakes first). Always shake
hands with the same sex
• It is not acceptable for men to stare at Qatari women.
Public displays of affection are considered offensive
• Do not eat, drink or smoke in public places during the
holy month of Ramadan
• It is considered disrespectful to wear or imitate local
dress in an offensive way (i.e., costume party)
Cultural Taboos
• Do not point the bottom of your feet towards Qatari
& Emirati – it is
considered insulting
• Use right hand only when eating with one
fingers & when offering cigarettes, food & drinks
• Do not talk about sexual related issues
• Filling your plate is a sign of hospitality; you
are not expected to finish it
• Do not wear revealing clothing
• Coming to the door, the person on your right
should be allowed to go first (at least always
make the gesture)
• Do not transport or mail prohibited items such
as alcohol or pornographic materials
• Be patient, Emiratis prefer to build friendships first,
then build a business relationship and consider
business associates more like friend
• Have a more relaxed attitude when it comes to
business culture
• Arabs tend to be close talkers and use body
language
Cultural Tips

12. What do we really mean?
What the British Say What the British Mean What Others Understand
I hear what you say I disagree and do not want to discuss it
further
He accept my point of view
With the greatest respect You are an idiot He is listening to me
That’s not bad That’s good That’s poor
That is very brave proposal You are insane He thinks I have courage
Quite good A bit disappointing Quite good
I would suggest Do it or be prepared to justify yourself Think about the idea, but do what you like
Oh, incidentally / by the way The primary purpose of our discussion is That is not very important
I was a bit disappointed that I am annoyed that It doesn’t really matter
Very interesting That is clearly nonsense They are impressed
I’ll hear it in mind I’ve forgotten it already They will probably do it
I’m sure it’s my fault It’s your fault Why do they think it was their fault
You must come for dinner It’s not an invitation, I’m just being polite I will get an invitation soon
I almost agree I don’t agree at all He’s nor far from agreement
I only have a few minor comments Please rewrite completely He has found a few types
Could we consider some other options I don’t like your idea They have not yet decided

13. If you don’t
intentionally
include, you
unintentionally
exclude