Cultural challenges in a global workplace

Understanding and accepting cultural differences is essential if you want to work around the world and experience working life in different countries. For a business it is also important to be aware of how new and existing staff work together and therefore utilize the global talent pool that is available. Pauline Redpath, Director of international recruitment consultancy, Source People, explains how best to overcome the issues businesses and individuals can face when working in different cultures.

It is essential that staff are equipped with skills that enable them to identify and manage cross cultural differences ñ from the moment they walk into an interview through to attending a business meeting. Expats who have researched and tried to understand cultural differences are a step ahead straight away ñ apart from the obvious barriers such as language, you need to be aware of the subtle differences that exist. These include introductions and greetings, gift giving, body language, appropriate dress, voice inflection and even social space.

With the rapid globalization of the worldís economy, there are vast opportunities for working abroad but failing to understand cultural differences can damage both personal and professional relationships. The following are just a few examples that highlight the cultural variations that exist:

Local etiquette insists you give business cards with two hands in China

Gestures can often be misinterpreted as being rude or offensive in different countries ñavoid shaking hands using your left hand in the Middle East and do not show the sole of your shoe or foot in Thailand.

Some gestures may mean the opposite of what British people would perceive it to be - Bulgarians move their heads up and down to mean ënoí and the Japanese nod their head as they listen; this doesnít mean ëyesí, it simply means they are listening

In terms of differences in recruitment practices, culture can play a significant part in the whole process. During the hiring process be aware of what cultural background your candidates are from so all expectations are made clear from the start. The hiring process should change depending on what country you are operating in. In some countries interviewees will be asked personal questions that may be considered illegal elsewhere, such as their age, marital status and number of children, even for the professions of their parents.

To ensure you and the company you work for are aware of all cultural differences, ensure you do your research and if in doubt, always ask for clarification from an expert.

Source specialise in recruiting for the finance, legal, HR and engineering markets within the global oil and gas industry. To find out more visit the website: