As todays workplace becomes more diverse, it has never been more critical for healthcare workers to comprehend staff and patients from other cultures with an array of communication styles and values. Experts suggest we will be empowered when we take on an awareness of our own culture as the first step on the road to understanding (Peterson, 2004).
- Work ethic, view of authority
- Role of family members
- Importance of reputation, harmony
- Communication styles
- Male/female roles
- Relationship to time past, present, future
The belief that our culture is the “right one” or better than other is called ethnocentrism. Once we acknowledge our ethnocentrism we can see that there are more ways than ours to live which are gratifying and fulfilling.
The study of cross cultural interpersonal relationships includes many dynamics worth considering in relation to our American workplace: Values Issues in life that are important such as hygiene, nutrition, social life, family ties and self fulfillment are defined by culture. Our frame of reference for work ethic, motivation, and regard to time are encountered in the workplace and can be a source of conflict. Consider our American values and how they may differ from other cultures: freedom of speech, capitalism, equality and efficiency to name a few. Individualistic vs. Collectivist – This refers to whether the interest of the individual or the group is paramount in a culture (Hofstede, 1991). In the U.S. the focus is the need of the individual/nuclear family, in contrast to Eastern cultures which are group focused as evidenced by large extended families/tribes. Hofstede described such cultures as collective in nature, for example the caste system in India. In US culture we believe we create our individual destiny through self driven hard work and education, known by foreigners as the “American Dream”. Power Distance – From 1967 to 1973 Hofstede, a Dutch scholar, conducted a study of how values in the workplace are influenced by culture, while working at IBM as a psychologist. He described this important phenomenon as power distance – the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a culture expect and accept that power is distributed unevenly (Hofstede, 1991). He observed low power distance cultures, i.e. the US to hold these qualities:- Large middle class
- Equal rights
- Powerful people try to look less powerful
- Inter- dependence between less and more powerful people
- Subordinates are consulted
He observed high power distance cultures, i.e. for example Eastern cultures to hold these qualities:
- Small middle class
- Powerful have privileges, try to look impressive
- Less powerful people should be dependent on more powerful people
- Subordinates expect to be told what to do
Hofstede ranked countries according to the degree of power distance in the workplace. Arab countries, Malaysia, and the Philippines ranked as high power cultures whereas US, Canada, Australia and the UK ranked as low power distance cultures.
Communication The purpose of communication is to relay messages using words, body language, and even silence. In Western cultures, discussion tends to be linear, direct, and the written message is important. People will ask questions to clarify and are uncomfortable with ambiguity. These cultures tend to legalistic and competitive. There is a precise view of time. Efficiency, and assertiveness is expected. As an American, reflect on this with regard to a co-worker from an Eastern or island culture, where discussions may be circular, less direct and much of the meaning of a message is implied. Conflict is dealt with discretely and there is a less structured view of time. In South Florida we are surrounded by opportunities for cross cultural encounters. Open your mind, read, and practice non-judgment and humility. Perhaps our greatest freedom as Americans is to respect the right of all cultures not only to exist, but to flourish together.