Question: Please provide feedback for the post below? In international group settings, it's vital to be mindful of each member's differences. The key to showing cultural

Please provide feedback for the post below?

In international group settings, it's vital to be mindful of each member's differences. The key to showing cultural sensitivity in the workplace is being aware of the variations that exist among cultures and how those differences play out. Study up on a country's customs and professional practices and become an expert observer of others. It's truly a team effort. It's important to create protocols and establish norms at the beginning of your meetings. Getting to know the personalities on your team is sound management practice in any culture, but it's especially important when your team comprises people from different countries. Meetings are only one element of the flow of workplace decision-making. There are pre-meetings, post-meetings, informal, one-on-one conversations in the corridor, and impromptu group discussions. In international group settings, cohesive scheduling may be difficult, and it's vital for the team to address their availability at the beginning of a project.

It's important to respect cultural norms but don't be obsessed with themand especially don't overly bring up one's culture or background consistently. "Culture is only one potential influence on a person's style, his behavior, and how he perceives things. You should have a working hypothesis but test it against evidence," says Jeanne M. Brett, professor of dispute resolution and negotiations at Kellogg School of Management. As the boss and the person in charge of the meeting, you'll likely need to make some adjustments and adaptations to your management style, but stay true to yourself too. Don't be boorish or ignorant but also don't pretend to be someone you're not. "Maintain who you are," says Brett. (Brett, J. 2020). In social and business behaviors, members should try to avoid:

  • Obsessing on how people from certain cultures are supposed to actremember, people are capable of adapting and adjusting their cultural default
  • Forcing a perfect, cohesive dynamic in meetingssolicit colleagues' opinions in other venues and encourage people to provide feedback in different ways
  • Overlooking the importance of team bondingencourage colleagues to get to know each other outside of meetings so that cultural differences won't seem as glaring (Myer, E. 2021).

Important culture norms of each country:

Brazil: Brazilian families tend to be tight-knit, warm, and loving. They generally enjoy each other's company and prefer spending time together than privately. In Brazilian culture, men are usually allowed more freedom than women. Brazilian girls have less freedom than girls from most European and North American countries. (AFS-USA, n.d.).

India: The soles of one's feet should never be pointed at another person, toward a temple, or towards a deity. Sit in a way that avoids this. The top of the head is considered to be the most important part of the human body. To touch someone on the top of their head is considered rude and insensitive. (Scroope, C. n.d.).

Finland: Finns are generally kind and open-minded, even though they can be a bit shy at first. Families are usually small, with only one or two children. In the culture of Finland, people appreciatepunctuality, good manners, and practicality. (ASF-USA F. n.d.).

Nigeria: Nigeria is a hierarchical society. Age and position earn, even demands, respect. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. The oldest person in a group is revered and honored. (commisceo-global, n.d.).

Resources:

Meyer, E. (2021, September 10). How to run a meeting of people from different cultures. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://hbr.org/2015/12/how-to-run-a-meeting-of-people-from-different-cultures

Brett, J. (2020, October 22). Managing multicultural teams. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://hbr.org/2006/11/managing-multicultural-teams

AFS-USA. (n.d.). Brazil: Explore Brazilian culture | learn more AFS-USA. AFS-USA. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.afsusa.org/countries/brazil/

Scroope, C. (n.d.). Indian culture - etiquette. Cultural Atlas. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/indian-culture/indian-culture-etiquette

ASF-USA F. (n.d.). Finland: Exploring the culture of finland | AFS-USA. ASF-USA. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.afsusa.org/countries/finland/

commisceo-global. (n.d.). Nigeria - Culture, Etiquette and Business Practices. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/nigeria-guide#:~:text=Nigeria%20is%20a%20hierarchical%20society,group%20is%20revered%20and%20honoured.

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