Workplace Values and Norms:
Comparing American and Host Country Values

In this exercise, you compare the American and host country positions on key dimensions of culture that affect the workplace, including those discussed in this chapter--power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and source of status--as well as several others. Once again, as in Chapter Three, the mechanism used here is a continuum on which you indicate (with the letters HCN and US)where you think the cultures of your host country and the United States. fit.

Workplace Values and Norms-Continuum

Power Directness

Less distance, more interaction exists between the boss and subordinates. The boss is more democratic, delegates responsibility. Taking initiative is okay. It's also okay to disagree with or question the boss. The boss sees himself/herself as one of the group. Power is decentralized.

Greater distance exists between the boss and subordinates. Power is centralized and generally not shared. The boss does not delegate responsibility or reward initiative. The worker does not disagree with or question the boss. The boss sees himself/herself as on one level, workers on another. The boss is more autocratic and paternalistic.

Uncertainty Avoidance

The unknown need not be scary. Fewer laws exist and less emphasis is on conformity. It's okay to break laws for pragmatic reasons; it's okay to bypass the chain of command if necessary. Conflict can't always be avoided. Taking risks is acceptable. Interactions are more informal. Different is interesting.

The unknown must be controlled. More laws exist and greater emphasis is on obeying laws and conforming. It's never good to break laws or bypass the chain of command, whatever the reason. Conflict must be avoided; risks are not attractive. Interactions are more forma. Different is dangerous.

Source of Status

Meritocracy exists. Status is earned by your achievements, by what you've accomplished in life. You get ahead based on merit. Status must be won, not automatically accorded, and it can be lost.

An autocracy exists. A certain amount of status comes with the family name and the groups you are affiliated with, and can't easily be lost. Achievements are important, but you can have status even without them. Your station in life is in part an accident of birth.

Concept of Work

Work has value in and of itself. Your job is an important part of your identity. People live to work, in the sense that getting things done is inherently satisfying

Work is the means to paying bills and meeting financial obligations. It may be satisfying but doesn't have to be. Life is too short to revolve around one's work. Work is what I do, not who I am.

Personal & Professional

Personal matters should not be brought to work. Personal/family obligations should be scheduled around work. The personal and professional loves should and can be kept separate. The human factor is real but can't be indulged in the workplace. People won't understand if you plead a family emergency.

It is impossible to separate personal and family matters from work. You may have to interrupt work to take care of personal business. The personal and professional lives inevitably overlap. People will understand if you plead a family emergency.

Motivation

These are important motivating factors. People want to learn, get ahead, move up in their professions or organizations and have greater power, authority and responsibility. Job security is not so important as the chance to make more money and advance in one's career.

People are motivated by the desire to have a pleasant work setting and good relationships with coworkers. Job security is important, as is an organization that takes care of its employees. Having more time off to spend with family is also very motivating. More power and responsibility are not of themselves attractive, even if they mean more money.

The Key to Productivity

Focusing on the task insures success. People won't always get along, but you have to move forward anyway. Harmony is nice but results are what count. If you get results, people will be more harmonious. Getting results is ultimately more important than how you get them..

Working well with other people is the key to success in any enterprise. Harmony in the workplace will insure eventual success. Getting things done hinges on people getting along well. Results bought at the expense of harmony are too costly. How you get results is just as important as the results themselves

The Ideal Worker

What matters most in a worker is his/her technical qualifications: education, work experience, and specific skills. "People" skills are important, but they don't contribute as much to the bottom line. Hiring a relative would be sheer coincidence and only if he/she had the skills you needed. Demonstrated competence is the key to getting promoted.

What matters most in a worker is his/her ability to work well with others and not rock the boat. Experience and technical skills are important, but they don't contribute as much to the bottom line. Hiring a relative is always a good bet. Age and seniority are important for getting promoted.

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