PAPERmaking! g FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TECHNOLOGY Volume 4, Number 2, 2018
Waiting to be recognized Another one of the most common examples of cultural differences in the workplace is how well (and how much) someone promotes their contributions. Humility is a basic value for many cultures (Hispanic culture included), which means that self-promotion is not particularly appreciated, encouraged or even taught at home.
An example of cultural difference: Waiting to be recognized rather than boasting about your accomplishments.
Latinos, for instance, are usually taught to work hard and keep their heads down. They are taught that they will be recognized by their hard work. But the reality in workplaces across America is that people who fail to speak about their accomplishments are often passed over for promotion. The principle being that in order for someone to think of you when there’s an opportunity, they need to know what you’re good at and what you could do for the project they have in mind. So the key in this case is to learn to balance your need to remain humble with cultural differences in the workplace that demand that you talk about your achievements if you want to move forward in your career. These cultural differences in the workplace are the reason why managing a culturally diverse workforce is a challenge. But they are also the fibres that make the fabric of our workplaces stronger. Learn to identify them and value them, and you’ll be several steps ahead of the pack. What other examples of cultural difference in the workplace come to mind?
Article 8 – Cultural Differences
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