This document discusses considerations for production in a cross-cultural environment. It addresses communicating across cultures with differences in language, time orientation, gender norms, and generations. Tips include learning about cultural characteristics, not making assumptions, using drawings, confirming understanding, and asking questions when unsure. Resources on cultural dimensions, generational differences, and effective communication techniques are also provided. The goal is to forge understanding and productive relationships across cultural and demographic divides.

1. Considering production in a cross-culture environment
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2. Intro
April Bledsoe
Sr. Engineering Specialist
Navistar, Inc.
Section Rep, Chicago SWE
Tamera Garrett
Human Resource Professional &
Talent Acquisition Consultant
Member, Collegiate Section
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3. इंजीनियर
‫مهندس‬
工程師
inženýr
ingenieur
insener
inhinyero
insinööri
ingénieur
mühendis
μηχανικός
‫מהנדס‬
วิศวกร
mérnök
Innealtóir
Ingegnere
エンジニア
기관사
inżynier
engenheiro
inginer
инженер
ingeniero
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4. What did you say?
 Torch
 Spanner
 Indicator
 Foot path
 Short pants
 Earth strap
 Cola
 Flashlight
 Wrench
 Turn Signal
 Sidewalk
 Shorts
 Ground Wire
 Soda (U.S.)
 Ride in the rear of Truck
(Venezuela)
 Soliciting (Mexico)
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5. Geographic Origin
Gender
Education
Age
Lazy, combative, smarter,
rude, etc.
Weak, Assertive, Equipped
Qualified, Accountable,
Respectable
Generational, experience,
technical savvy
Be Open!
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6. Time Oriented vs Event Oriented
Time Event
 A time oriented culture focuses
on time, they tend to be
punctual, efficient and
quick. Things start on time and
end on time. Most activities last
a certain amount of time and
you can't add something to the
schedule without taking
something out. Time
frames and punctuality are
important. Everything is
orderly, neat and in its place.
 An event oriented culture focuses
more on the moment at hand and
less on the future. They think
differently about time and put it
way down on the scale of
importance. Everything will work
itself out and there's no need to
get undone about a schedule. The
value of the event and the
moment is what
matters. Activities and schedules
normally start late and last longer
with no definite time
frame to be kept.
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7. Share story (potential for lessons
learned)
 Cultural Experience
 Gender Experience
 Education Experience
 Age
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8. Respect for People
 Title smitle
 Parts of the body
 Whatever it takes
 Lessons to learn
 Forge Bonds
 Career building
 Who cares
 Teamwork
 Get the job done
 More experiences
 Lifetime relationships
 Character building
Understand more about the culture, and you’ll
understand how to be more productive.
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9. TIPS
 Add drawings
 Saying it louder doesn’t
help!
 Do your homework on
your team’s culture.
 Don’t make assumptions
that become
misconceptions.
 Be patient and willing to
take a different
approach.
 Confirm understanding.
 Write down
steps/methods.
 If you are not sure, ASK!
 Learn at least a few
words in other language.
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10. Questions to ask yourself?
Language differences aside, when working on a diverse team (more than
one culture represented), do you see challenges in communicating
concepts?
Do you find that one’s own cultural perceptions may create filters by
which the communiqué is received?
Do you recognize that the other person’s filters may be why they are not
understanding the concept, or even context of what you are trying to
communicate?
What are some of your strategies or tips to get your point across and
confirm it is understood?
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11. Suggested Resources
 www.Geert-Hofstede.com – Characteristics by country.
 When Generations Collide, Lancaster & Stillman
 Generations at Work, Zemke
 From Boomers to Bloggers, Burmeister
 Bridging the Generation Gap, Gravett & Throckmorton
 The Six Thinking Hats, De Bono
 Ties to Tatoos, Elliott-Yeary
 Blink, Gladwell
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