Uncertain Times – Tips to consider when working with different cultures

I am sure that I do not have to elaborate on what I mean when I refer to ‘uncertain times’.  Something that seems everywhere – when you get together in social gatherings, water cooler chat at office, turn the radio on, news paper headlines…….economic downturn…..

Do you know that different cultures adapt/ deal with uncertain and ambiguous times strikingly different? Here are some highlights and tips to turn a challenge into an opportunity when working with different cultures during tumultuous times.

‘Uncertainty Avoidance’ is a cultural dimension that relates to the degree of anxiety society members feel when in uncertain or unknown situations – deals with a society’s tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity.

Cultural groups from Argentina, Latin American, Arab nations, Japan, US generally tend to avoid uncertainty and ambiguous situations. When faced with uncertainty, these cultures generally need and expect more structure, express a sense of nervousness and spurn high levels of emotion, and avoid differences.

Cultural groups from India, East Africa nations, Denmark, Jamaica, Singapore, and Hong Kong generally tend to manage uncertain and ambiguous situations better. When faced with uncertainty, these cultures generally orient themselves towards long term strategy than what is happening on a daily basis, accept change and risk, and express a greater level of tolerance for a variety of ideas, thoughts, and beliefs.

Here are some tips for those of you working with cultures that tend to avoid/ averse to uncertainty:

•       Be clear and concise about your expectations and parameters.

•       Plan and prepare, communicate often and early, provide detailed plans and focus on the tactical aspects of a job or project.

Here are some tips for those of you working with cultures that tend to embrace/ manage uncertainty better:

•       Do not impose rules or structure unnecessarily.

•        Minimize your emotional response by being calm and contemplating situations before speaking.

•        Express curiosity when you discover differences.

Share your thoughts and personal insights working across cultural boundaries.