Apr 30

Do You Have What it Takes to be a Global Player?

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture, Culture training for Business & Management No Comments »

The global marketplace is an extremely competitive world where intercultural skills are no longer just an advantage but a requirement.  As companies increasingly ask their employees to work on a global scale to stay ahead of the game, they need to ensure they select people not only for their technical skills and international experience, but for their intercultural skills.

Globe 2dem10 i Do You Have What it Takes to be a Global Player?

© istockphoto.com/dem10

Employees who have extensive international experience will often have an increased awareness and understanding of other cultures and how they must adapt their style, but they may not always have the skills to adapt their style or cope with the cultural differences they encounter.  By providing employees opportunities to get international experience while at the same time supporting them with intercultural training, they will develop the intercultural competence required for international success.

So why is international experience so beneficial?  Whether through an international assignment, short business trip, training course or voluntary experience, international experience exposes people to different cultures and situations.  The more people interact, understand and integrate into other cultures, the more they will have opportunities to develop their intercultural skills and awareness.  A one-week holiday in Madrid with British friends might give you an insight into a different culture, for example, but it will not help you to develop the deeper skills and know-how to work effectively internationally.  A long-term international assignment in Singapore, on the other hand, will be much more valuable.

Toby Fowlston, Director of Commercial and Professional Services at Robert Walters, pointed out in an article by The Evening Standard that: “Overseas experience on a CV is seen as a definite positive by recruiting managers as it demonstrates a more rounded and broader knowledge”.  Employees with international experience bring with them a pool of potential new strategies, skills and perspectives which can add tremendous value to any global organisation.

Spending time abroad exposes you to different approaches to managing everyday matters in the social as well as the business sphere.  International experience alone will not give you intercultural competence however, so it is important that you actively keep an open-mind, ask questions and develop your understanding of the culture throughout the experience to understand the cultural differences at play and how they influence the business and social environments.

By combining international experience with intercultural training and an active curiosity about the culture, you can develop the following key areas.

Problem solving
Decision making, an integral part of problem solving, can be closely linked to hierarchy within a business.  Middle management tends to make decisions in flat hierarchy structures, while senior managers usually make decisions in top-down hierarchical structures.  Cultural attitudes towards hierarchy will influence how organisations are naturally structured and how people with seniority or experience are treated.  Regular exposure to other cultures through short-term visits or international assignments can help you to see different approaches and attitudes like how hierarchy impacts business so as to be better prepared to adapt your own problem-solving techniques when working internationally.

Communication
Some cultures prefer a direct communication style and use negative criticism as a means of constructive guidance.  In other cultures, quite the opposite is true and indirect communication involves consideration and moderation.  What is regarded as acceptable for some could be interpreted as inconsiderate and offensive by others.  There is no right or wrong to these styles as both clearly have their advantages and disadvantages.  International experience supported by intercultural training can help you to understand and appreciate different communication styles so that you can better anticipate any variation of approach, formality or directness in future global interactions.

Language
Fluency in a foreign language is a crucial skill that allows you to improve relationships and networking abroad, making you and your organisation more competitive in the global marketplace.  While English is the most common language of global business, it is important to understand your foreign counterparts’ language too where possible as not doing so can put you at a significant disadvantage.  If, for example, you are in conducting a meeting with some Chinese counterparts for the first time, you could lose power and credibility and even hurt your relationship if you cannot show an attempt to say a few key expressions in Mandarin.  While you will probably not be expected to speak it fluently, you can create enormous opportunities by showing an interest in the language and using it to build trust.

Intercultural competence is vital for anyone operating in the global marketplace.  It opens doors to new experiences, career opportunities and greater international performance.  The combination of international experience and an intercultural training course can solidify and enhance your ability to operate effectively on a global scale.  Through developed problem-solving, communication and language skills as well as cultural understanding and sensitivity, you will be more equipped to avoid cultural faux-pas and create opportunities where others may not be able to.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2013

Tagged with: • • • • •
Nov 05

Forward, Believe in America – Living and Working in the US during the 2012 Elections

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture No Comments »

With less than a day to go until the US Election Day, the race between current president Barack Obama and his opponent Mitt Romney is neck and neck.  With the three presidential debates completed, the two candidates have been spending all their time travelling across the country to visit all key states in the last few weeks.

The impact of the presidential elections and in particular the election campaign on day-to-day life in the US is immense.  No one living and working in the US can ignore or overlook the hype, press and campaigns leading up to the elections, which started over a year and a half ago.  But why does this seem to be so important in the US?  Here are a few ideas about why this might be so but there are surely unlimited cultural explanations for this approach.

Statue of Liberty 3 Nikada i Forward, Believe in America – Living and Working in the US during the 2012 Elections© istockphoto.com/Nikada

The American Dream

Today the US is a multicultural melting pot of almost 315 million people of varying race and cultural heritage.  Despite the many differences within American society, the nation is founded on the fundamental belief in egalitarianism.  An important value of American culture is the concept of equality, this collective understanding of the notion of equality that underpins many social relationships.  Americans believe in having equal rights, equal social obligations and equal opportunities based on the concept of individual merit.

This concept of egalitarianism contributes to the system frequently referred to as the ‘American Dream’, whereby hard work deserves success and financial prosperity.  A person’s position in US society is typically determined by their achievements as opposed to their status or age.  In other words, Americans believe that working hard should be praised and rewarded.  The American ‘Can Do’ mentality is famous – anyone and everyone can become the president.  Both candidates put high emphasis on being normal people and how working hard has brought them to where they are now.

It’s Up to You

Another important value in the US is the concept of individualism.  Americans tend to place a high emphasis on individual initiative and personal achievement.  Independence and self-reliance are highly valued which became very clear when president Obama introduced his health-care plans.  Many Americans objected to his ideas because they don’t want the government to interfere in their personal life and decisions.  Americans don’t want anyone else to tell them what to do.

This value extends to the workplace where business is frequently carried out autonomously.  When living and working in the US, you may come across employee league targets at work in which competitive targets are shared among all employees.  This shows how competitive the American business environment can be.  The concept of ‘being the best’ is very important.

An important saying in the US is ‘Tell it like it is’.  Within this concept of individualism, Americans like to speak up and tell you want they think.  They highly value their own opinion.  But despite their individualistic approach to life, Americans are considered rather nationalistic.  You can find the American flag everywhere and all children learn the Star-Spangled Banner (the national anthem) in school.

Election Day is a unique chance for Americans to share their opinion and choose a new leader for their own country.  This is one of the reasons there is such hype around the American elections: it is the one chance every four years when Americans can speak up and decide what they think is best for their own country.

Tomorrow we will find out who will be the new leader of the US and some say even the new leader of the world.  It is inevitable that you will notice the importance of these elections.  Anyone living and working in the US should try to understand and follow the elections to truly be part of American culture.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2012

Tagged with: • • • • • • •
Oct 09

Deputy Prime Minister’s Bid to Gain New Business with Turkey

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture, Culture training for Business & Management No Comments »

Radio 5 Live’s ‘On the Money’ recently brought to our attention Turkey’s attractive position as an emerging market and potential trade partner for the UK. Last week Nick Clegg lead a trade delegation to Turkey with the purpose of seeking new investment in Britain and increasing UK exports to this fast growing market that spans Europe and Asia. The Deputy Prime Minister was joined by Business Minister Michael Fallon and a business delegation of 18 CEOs and Senior Executives from companies including Arup, Mott McDonald, AECOM, Lloyd’s of London and Cella Energy. Together they discussed possible new business ventures with their Turkish counterparts which could be worth up to half a billion pounds.

With new business deals already agreed between a number of British companies and their Turkish counterparts, other UK businesses will also be eager to develop business partnerships with Turkey. Already Turkish company HDM Steel Pipe is opening a £7 million factory in Cardiff , creating 38 jobs Wolverhampton based Concept Steels signing a £5 million contract with a Turkish firm to export alloys, metals and components for the oil and gas and chemical industries.

Istanbul Aya Sofya Mosque Tulay Over i Deputy Prime Ministers Bid to Gain New Business with Turkey

©iStockphoto.com

What do we know about Turkey?

Turkey is now Europe’s seventh largest economy and is one of the world’s largest markets. Turkey bridges both Europe and Asia, making it an appealing country for UK businesses to invest in. However, even though Turkey’s modernisation is rapid it still holds traditional values and cultures at its heart. It has a combination of two unique cultures creating a diverse collection of ideas and beliefs. Therefore an understanding and awareness of its culture in business is an essential tool to Britain’s success.

Top tips: key concepts and values

  • Family – The most essential social unit in Turkish culture is the family
  • Multitasking – Turks tend to juggle multiple activities at the same time and continue several conversations simultaneously. Thus, in a Turkish business environment, it is not uncommon for phone calls to be taken during scheduled meetings
  • Islam – Modern day Turkey is a secular state; however the philosophy and ideology of Islam still remains a prevalent feature of Turkish culture

Tips for doing business in Turkey:

  • Schedule business appointments in advance to ensure that you avoid Turkish holiday’s e.g Ramadan
  • Given the influence of Islam on Turkish society, daily routines, appointments and meetings must be fitted around each of the five daily prayer times
  • Decisions are always made by the most senior business people. However, due to the strong sense of collectivism that underlines Turkish business culture, the decision maker will often consider the group involved in that decision
  • At the start of any business meeting or social gathering, it is customary to greet your Turkish counterparts with a handshake; failure to do so may be considered rude
  • Engaging in small talk before beginning business discussions is important for establishing rapport in Turkey. It is a good idea to get to know your Turkish counterpart on a personal level

The deputy prime ministers goal is ‘…to double bilateral trade by 2015…’ For the UK to achieve these far reaching goals an understanding of Turkey’s cultural makeup is essential. Cross cultural awareness training programmes such as doing business in Turkey or living and working in Turkey can provide executives and employees with the essential knowledge they need to know about the country and its culture. Showing an understanding of Turkish customs and traditions will enable British businesses to mitigate against any risks associated with cultural misunderstanding and build a more successful social and business relationship for the future.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2012

Tagged with: • • • • • • • •
Aug 21

Goodbye London, See You in Rio – Cultural Differences between Two Olympic Cities

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture, Culture training for Business & Management No Comments »

For two weeks this summer, London was the centre of the sporting world. The London 2012 Olympics took over the city, replacing the usual conversations about weather with talk about the events, the medals table and their own experience of being at the games. Unfortunately last week the Olympics came to an end and we will now have to wait another four years before we can support our national teams in the summer games again. The wait will be worth it though as we will next be headed to colourful Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The 2016 Olympics in Rio will be different in many ways. There will be new athletes leading the way in their respective sports while others will no longer be participating. The whole environment, from the venues to the infrastructure and systems, will also be completely different. Looking at Rio’s preparation to date for the 2016 Olympics, it’s not as prepared as London was at this stage but the organisers have four years to make sure it all works and the excellent model of London to look to for inspiration.

Olympic Rings jokerproproduction i Goodbye London, See You in Rio – Cultural Differences between Two Olympic Cities

© istockphoto.com/jokerproproduction

Looking ahead to the 2016 Olympics in Rio from a cultural perspective, the next summer games will be incomparable to London 2012. Not only will the overall cultural feel and style of the Olympics be different, but the organisation and overall approach will be quite distinct. Athletes, volunteers and spectators will therefore encounter a completely different range of cultural issues during these two weeks that they may not have in London so anyone involved will require a high level of cross-cultural awareness – something you can never start developing early enough!

Queuing for Tickets

Edward T. Hall, one of the founding fathers of intercultural communication, developed a number of concepts which have become paramount in any discussion about cultural differences. According to Hall, there are several ways in which cultures can differ from each other. One of these is the relationship people have to the physical space around them, in other words, what people tend to consider an appropriate space between each other in a given situation. People in Brazil tend to stand much closer to strangers than people from the UK do, so queuing for tickets in Rio could be a completely different experience for most.

Rio Prepares

Hall also found that concepts of time can differ between people from different cultural backgrounds, so the way people use and manage time can vary dramatically from one culture to another. People from polychronic cultures, like Brazilians, tend to have a flexible approach to time and do multiple activities at once for example. People from monochronic cultures, conversely, such as the British, prefer a more structured approach to doing things and appreciate punctuality.

The British, monochronic perspective is evident in the general organisation and planning of the Olympic games. The Brits had very precise plans and strict deadlines that they worked towards in order to have everything ready in time. As Rio prepares for the next summer games, they could end up missing important deadlines and timescales if they approach things with their typical flexible approach to time. Although they have a more laid back approach to time, Brazilians are extremely creative and tend to be very good at re-prioritising things so that the desired outcomes are still achieved. Rio 2016 will surely end up being a spectacular Olympics, but they may end up getting their through a very different approach.

Ready, Set, Go…

The British monochronic approach to time was also visible during the London 2012 Olympics in the punctual start and finish times that they adhered to throughout the games. Most events started exactly at the stated time, and you could even hear spectators counting down the seconds. Spectators also adhered to the British approach to time and arrived to each event ahead of time as instructed to allow enough time for everyone to get settled before the start. This is one aspect which may be very different during the Olympics in Rio, as Brazilians have a much more fluid and flexible approach to time.

Cultural Celebration

If you think the Olympics in Rio won’t be as punctual as London 2012, you might be right. But you’re wrong if you think it won’t be as much fun! Brazilians are known for their hospitality, openness and colourful and rhythmic events such as the Carnival of Rio. The London 2012 Olympics were a beautiful celebration of cultural diversity across the UK and the events and ceremonies reflected this in a very typical British way. The 2016 Olympics in Rio are likely to be even more colourful, festive and diverse if they are anything like other famous celebrations in Brazil.

Looking at the two Olympic cities from a cultural perspective, it’s possible that the perception of space and time could create significant differences in the way that the next Olympics are planned, organised and managed. Some will question whether Rio will be ready in time to welcome the world, while others may expect an even better party. No matter what happens, anyone involved in the next Olympics needs a great cross-cultural awareness if they want to benefit from the many opportunities the games can bring.

With four years to go until Rio proves itself the extremely hospitable, diverse and open city that it is, there is plenty of time to ensure those involved have the right support to develop the intercultural awareness that will make the next summer Olympics an event to remember!

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2012

Tagged with: • • •
Jul 13

London 2012 Olympics Scheduled during Ramadan – Cultural Faux-Pas?

Cross Cultural Training, Culture, Culture training for Business & Management, Culture training for Human Resources, Culture training for the Public sector No Comments »

London’s Mayor and Culture Secretary are working hard to ensure that the London 2012 Olympics involve all of Britain’s ethnic groups equally. This may be more challenging than they thought, however, as the Olympics fall during the important religious event of Ramadan. Thousands of Muslims who will compete in, work or volunteer at this summer’s Olympic events will be left with the question on whether or not to follow Ramadan in the traditional sense this year.

The timing could not have been more inopportune, but there was no real choice for the LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games) to schedule the 2012 Olympics outside the Ramadan period. Being provided a strict window for the Games to take place by the International Olympic Committee and the need to consider aspects such as public transport in London and the availability of volunteers needed, they decided to schedule the Olympics from 27 July to 12 August, which lies in the middle of Ramadan.

Quran Koran Retrovizor i London 2012 Olympics Scheduled during Ramadan – Cultural Faux Pas?

© istockphoto.com/Retrovizor

The religious fasting period of Ramadan takes place this year from 20 July to 20 August. The period of Ramadan changes by about eleven days every year according to the lunar calendar. The 30 day long period of fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, considered to be a time of worship and closeness with God and therefore one of the most important celebrations for Muslims.

As most Muslims strictly fast from dawn until dusk during this period, the impact of Ramadan on personal and professional spheres must be acknowledged – not only in Arabic countries. The Olympics being a huge multicultural and multi-ethnic event will therefore require cross-cultural sensitivity towards this religious tradition and how it may impact everyone involved in the games.

Influence on Athletes

There are an estimated 3,000 Muslim athletes who may be impacted by Ramadan during the games this year. Fasting during the Olympics is not only inconvenient and challenging, but depending on the type of sport it could deplete an athlete’s liver and muscle glycogen stores and lead to dehydration and a drop in performance.

As Muslim athletes are usually allowed to defer their fasts, many of them are going to postpone the fasting period to maintain the performance they have been working so hard for during the last years. Not all Muslim sportsmen and women will do this, however, especially if not fasting during the holy month is frowned upon in their culture, so it’s important to be conscious of this.

Influence on Staff and Fans

Although the athletes are the ones which are most obviously influenced by the clash of these two important events, we cannot forget about the enormous number of Muslims who will work or volunteer at the Olympics or be watching the games as spectators. Organisers will need to consider the requirements they have for praying and eating during this period and provide the time and space they need to carry out these religious traditions.

What are they doing about it?

In order to meet athletes’ and workers’ Ramadan needs, organisers are putting in place a series of initiatives including:

  • Fast-breaking packs with dates and other traditional foods
  • Open dining facilities 24 hours a day so that competitors will be able to eat before dawn
  • Prayer rooms at every venue with Muslim clerics on hand to assist people
  • Large multi-faith centre at the Olympic village in Stratford with a common lounge and specific areas for the five largest faiths

The Olympic Games are a true test of London’s well-known multiculturalism and cross-cultural sensitivity. This great event will determine whether organisers have been able not only to make the most of London and its people but whether they can create an environment where all athletes will be able to have outstanding performances. All of this must be done with minimal frustration and difficulties to the organisers, athletes, volunteers and spectators as well as to the general population of London.

Some may argue that the organisers of the Olympics have made a cultural faux-pas by scheduling them during such an important religious event celebrated around the world. It should instead be considered as a cultural opportunity – a time when we can allow all cultures and traditions to shine in the face of adversity and challenge.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2012

Tagged with: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Jun 13

The London 2012 Olympics: A Sporting and a Cultural Challenge?

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture, Culture training for Business & Management, Culture training for Human Resources, Culture training for the Public sector No Comments »

This summer London will be transformed into a city of sport, culture and celebration as it hosts the XXX Olympic Games. For more than 14,000 competing athletes, the London 2012 Olympics will be the peak of their sporting career. For the UK as host country, the organisers of the Games, volunteers, spectators and fans all around the world, the Olympics are much more than just a sporting event.

The London 2012 Olympics will bring millions of people of different nationalities and cultures to the capital to celebrate, volunteer or work at the event. For the Olympics to be a true global success, anyone involved in making them happen should understand not only the key principles of working effectively across culturesbut the historical roots and values of this world heritage sporting event.

Olympic Rings jokerproproduction i1 The London 2012 Olympics: A Sporting and a Cultural Challenge?

© istockphoto.com/jokerproproduction

Get Ready, Set, Go! The Origins of the Olympic Games

The Olympic Movement is named after Olympia, the city of its origin where the Games symbolised one of the many ways that Greeks worshipped their Gods. It originally involved a series of competitions held between representatives of city-states and kingdoms of ancient Greece. Although the exact date of the first Olympics is not known, the first record dates from 776 BC when Heracles together with his father Zeus stood as progenitors of the Games. According to legend it was Heracles who first called the Games ‘Olympic’ and established the custom of holding them every four years.

Running was the only event in the first 13 recorded Olympic Games. Events such as wrestling, boxing, horse riding and chariot racing were added later, but the main event of the ancient games was the pentathlon, a composition of running, jumping, javelin, discus and wrestling. The ancient Games reached their zenith in the sixth and fifth centuries BC before disappearing when the Romans grew more influential.

The Olympian Games were slowly brought back to existence in the 18th century when French Baron Pierre de Coubertin revived them as an international spectacle after founding the International Committee (IOC) in 1894. Two years later the first modern Olympic Games were hosted in the Panathenaic stadium in Athens bringing together 241 athletes from 14 nations who competed in 43 events.

Four years later, the Summer Olympics in Paris attracted more than four times as many athletes, including the first 20 women to ever participate. Apart from the 1916, 1940 and 1944 Olympics that were cancelled due to World War I and World War II, the popularity and size of the Olympic Games has steadily grown and now brings together more than 10,000 competitors from over 200 countries and millions of visitors from all over the world.

The Rings, Motto and the Flame: Key Values and Symbols of the Olympics

Pierre de Coubertin believed that sport could help to bring people together and celebrate cultural differences around the world. He felt the Olympics were an opportunity to apply important values to the sporting world as well as to education and society as a whole. The core values of respect, excellence and friendship are still core to the Olympics as we know them. The Olympics of our time also include determination, courage, inspiration and equality, all values added for the Paralympics. These were officially introduced at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, where 400 wheelchair athletes competed in the ‘Parallel Olympics’ for the first time. The idea was originally born in 1948 when neurologist Sir Ludwig Guttman began to use sport as part of the rehabilitation programmes of his patients who were mainly war veterans with spinal injuries.

The three core values of respect, excellence and friendship are conveyed through the Olympic symbols – the rings, the motto and the flame:

  • The motto ‘citius – altius – fortius’ (Latin for faster – higher – stronger) embodies the value of excellence by encouraging athletes to strive to do their best.
  • The most recognised symbol of the Olympics is the set of five coloured rings which embody the five continents. The rings represent respect and aim to bring together all nations without discrimination.
  • The flame symbolises friendship and peace between peoples. The flame is lit during a traditional ceremony in Greece at the Temple of Hera in ancient Olympia. From there the Olympic torch starts its journey through Greece and the host country until it arrives in the Olympic Stadium where it remains lit until the last day of the Olympics.

Going for Gold at the London 2012 Olympics: Making it Happen

As the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games approach, the eyes of the world are turning to the UK. After several years of careful planning, London will soon be put to the test and show whether it can live up to the world’s expectations.

According to the London Olympics official website up to 70,000 volunteers will take on a wide variety of roles across the venues, from welcoming visitors to transporting athletes, helping out behind the scenes in the technology team and much more. The volunteers, called ‘Games Makers’ as they are helping to make the Games happen, will come from a diverse range of communities and backgrounds from the UK and abroad.

In addition to these volunteers, there will be thousands of people employed to manage the security and maintenance at all of the Olympic sites. There are also countless Olympic officials, coaches, advisors and other organisers that must work together to make the games happen. From catering and hospitality, to cleaning, IT, ticketing and security, almost all conceivable jobs will be filled by more than 100,000 people, including students and those currently out of work.

Volunteers, employees, athletes and spectators at the London 2012 Olympic Games will need to find a way to work through any cultural or linguistic barriers they encounter in order to make this event a true success. Cross cultural training programmes like Working Effectively across Cultures can help anyone involved in making the Olympics happen to understand how they may need to adapt their approach to avoid misunderstandings and tension. After all, the Olympics are not just a sporting event but an opportunity to celebrate cultural difference in a peaceful, respectful and fun way.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2012

Tagged with: • • • • • • •
May 30

Living and Working in the UK: Celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture, Culture training for Business & Management No Comments »

After the worldwide celebrated royal wedding of Kate and William last spring, 2012 is again marked by the presence of monarchy in British society. This weekend the UK, together with people all over the world, will celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee .

Anyone living and working in the UKwill definitely have noticed the upcoming excitement and anticipation of the Diamond Jubilee, not only because of the highly appreciated extra bank holiday on 5 June but because of the surrounding preparations that have been taking place all over the country over the last few weeks. In London, many museums have put together special exhibitions on Queen Elizabeth II and stores have filled their shelves with memorabilia representing the Queen and this momentous occasion.

But why is everyone making such a fuss over this event? How will people living and working in the UK celebrate this special day in royal history?

Flag uk Matt Trommer i1 Living and Working in the UK: Celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

© istockphoto.com/Matt Trommer

National Pride

The United Kingdom is one of the very few countries that still has royal involvement in the government and many Brits are quite proud of the traditions and presence of the monarchy in British society. The Queen of course is a central figure of this pride and the fact that she is celebrating a jubilee of 60 years of reign is a really rare and special milestone of her reign. After Queen Victoria, she is the second longest serving monarch in Britain and the oldest one to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.

Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

The Jubilee year is marked by a series of visits and engagements throughout the Kingdom and the Commonwealth Realms by the Queen and members of the Royal Family. The celebrations will culminate this weekend, starting with the Queen’s attendance at the Epsom Derby on Saturday 2 June.

On Sunday 3 June the Big Jubilee Lunch is an occasion for people to share lunch with neighbours and friends in the form of a traditional street party or picnic lunch in small or large groups. At high water on Sunday afternoon the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant will involve a flotilla on the Thames of up to 1,000 boats from across the UK, Commonwealth and all around the world. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will travel in the Royal Barge, which will form the centrepiece of the flotilla.

The celebrations continue on Monday 4 June with the BBC Concert at Buckingham Palace and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacons – 2,012 beacons lit by communities throughout the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Commonwealth.

The Diamond Jubilee weekend will end with a day of celebrations in central London on Tuesday 5 June with a service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, two receptions, a lunch at Westminster Hall, a Carriage Procession to Buckingham Palace and finally an appearance on the balcony and a flypast by the British armed forces.

Millions of people are going to celebrate the Jubilee in the UK and especially in London, which will definitely impact public transport and be a good test for the upcoming Olympics. The expected overcrowding is one reason why many people see this long four day weekend as an opportunity to get away from the crowds and relax. Others, particularly younger people, may decide to avoid the celebrations out of a disinterest in the Queen and the Royal Family.

Commercial Opportunity

With tourists coming to the UK and local people travelling to other parts of the UK, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee represents a welcome commercial opportunity for British tourism and the jewellery and giftware industries. Special memorabilia in the form of Diamond Jubilee pins, stationery, china, cookies, chocolate, bags and other fashion items can not only be found in souvenir stores and corner shops but in every supermarket. People are also stocking up on food and drinks for their planned street parties which will take place all over the UK in small and large communities so supermarkets will see financial benefits as well.

Anyone living and working in the UK should be aware of how these memorable days of celebration will influence your plans, whether you make use of the extra bank holiday to get away or if you take part in the celebrations. Whatever you do, enjoy the surrounding preparations and discussions about this momentous occasion as it doesn’t happen very often!

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2012

Tagged with: • • • • •
Apr 30

Effective Virtual Working on May Day, Mayday!

Cross Cultural Training, Culture, Culture training for Business & Management, Culture training for Human Resources, Culture training for the Public sector No Comments »

May Day is a popular tradition all over the world, but celebrations tend to vary dramatically from one place to another. Traditions around this day are sometimes so different that the holiday itself is not even on the same day in every culture so anyone working virtually should be aware of how their international counterparts may be celebrating.

In the Northern Hemisphere, May Day has its origins in different pagan cults that celebrated the arrival of the farmable period, such as Beltane in Ireland, Walpurgis in Scandinavia or Floralia in ancient Rome. Many of these traditions were abandoned or Christianised in Europe in the Middle Ages, although since then most have lost any religious meaning.

Today May Day is more commonly known as International Worker’s Day or Labour Day in more than 80 cultures. This has its roots in the events following the Haymarket Massacre in Chicago in 1886 which resulted in several deaths of demonstrators and police officers involved in a strike to fight for an eight-hour work day. Several years later workers finally succeeded in having this day marked as a public holiday to commemorate labour efforts.

In some countries there will be protests or parades around labour, socialist or communist causes while in others the holiday incorporates more traditional and pagan customs. Here are a few examples of how May Day is celebrated around the world.

Typing Dmitriy Shironosov i Effective Virtual Working on May Day, Mayday!

© istockphoto.com/Dmitriy Shironosov

Germany – Tanz in den Mai!
May Day celebrations in Germany referred to as ‘Tanz in den Mai’ (Dance into May) parties are commonly celebrated outdoors. For these parties men erect worshipped maypoles, an old Germanic custom some believe symbolises the sacred spring tree. In some parts of Germany young men traditionally erect small decorated maypoles in front of their girlfriends’ houses. May 1st in Germany is a public state holiday so people have the day off.

France – Flowers on Street Corners
The 1st of May is the official Labour Day in France and a public holiday. In France May Day is strongly connected with pagan traditions, and people will give loved ones lily-of-the-valley or dog rose flowers to bless them with happiness and luck. On May Day in France you will therefore see people selling small bouquets of these flowers in the shops or on street corners while some people make it a family event to go to the woods to pick flowers together. You will also often see political parades or protest events, particularly in the capital Paris.  If May Day falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, people will often create a ‘pont’ and take off four days.

Finland – Picnics and Parades
Vappu, or Walpurgis Day , is ‘the Day of Finnish Work’ and is celebrated the most by Finnish students on the evening of 30 April into 1 May. Finns will prepare lavish picnics and attend festivals or activist parades during the day. Students, and often statues, will wear traditional white caps to celebrate this holiday.

China – Travel Mayhem
Labour Day historically lasted one week in China until 2008 when it became a one day holiday to favour the revival of other ancient Chinese holidays. When the 1st of May falls on a weekend, the festivity is extended to the following Monday to allow Chinese people to travel and have free time with their families. As a result, travel during this period can be very difficult and expensive since there will be millions of Chinese people travelling either domestically or internationally to visit family.

These are just a few examples of how May Day is celebrated around the world. Effective virtual working and communication require an awareness of how, and when, this holiday may be celebrated so that you can plan any calls or meetings accordingly. In some countries there is no holiday at all around this time, so if you have the day off be sure your colleagues in the US or Canada are aware of this. Whatever your plans, happy May Day!

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2012

Tagged with: • • • •
Apr 05

Celebrating Easter across Cultures – Easter Traditions around the World

Cross Cultural Training, Culture No Comments »

All over the world people are looking forward to the coming Easter Sunday which marks the height of the Holy Week and the end of the 40-day-long Lent period. Easter is an annual festival observed throughout the Christian world whose date shifts every year within the Gregorian calendar.

As Easter is always celebrated on the first Sunday after the ecclestical full moon following the Vernal Equinox it can be as early as 22 March or as late as 25 April. Depending on the predominant use of either the Gregorian or the Julian calendar Easter is celebrated on different dates. Western churches using the Gregorian calendar are celebrating Easter this year on 8 April while for Eastern Orthodox churches, using the Julian calendar, will celebrate it on 15 April.

Easter traditions throughout the world differ from country to country according to their ethnic and cultural origins. Working effectively across cultures requires an awareness of these differences and the varying degrees of importance placed on this holiday. Below are some customs and festivities you might come across when doing business in Russia, Australia, Norway or Mexico.

Easter Eggs gilaxia i Celebrating Easter across Cultures – Easter Traditions around the World

Celebrating Easter across cultures

Easter in Russia

Due to the coexistence of Western Christians and Eastern Orthodox Christians in Russia Easter is celebrated according to both traditions, this year either on 8 April or on 15 April. When doing business in Russia you should bear this in mind, as working hours can be disrupted differently.

One unique ritual that both denominations in Russia share is the picking of pussy willows. In this custom your neighbour or loved one pierces the branch of the soft blooms kept on their shoulder. Other traditions you may find when doing business in Russia at Easter include the colouring of eggs in bright and vibrant colours and Easter egg rolling contests.

After strict fasting and busy preparations for the Easter lunch on Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday is typically celebrated with an Easter breakfast or lunch. The typical food including Kulich (Easter bread), Paskha (a dish made from cheese and other ingredients) and eggs is sometimes blessed by the church before being eaten together in family circle.

Easter in Australia

Australia is a land of people belonging to different cultures which is why Easter celebrations take place in a variety of ways. Varied Easter festivals in Australia like ‘Perth International Arts Festival’, film festivals and the ‘Sydney Royal Easter Show’, an annual show featuring the varied multicultural heritage of the nation to the vitality of the city life are also showcased during this season.

Unlike most other countries the main Easter symbol in Australia is not the traditional bunny but the bilby – a small rodent with a long nose and ears just like a rabbit.  To show their concern for this endangered animal Australian chocolate manufacturers make Easter bilbies and share some of their profits to help to protect these animals from extinction.  Easter bilbies, eggs and chocolates form part of the custom of the Easter Hunt, where children hunt around their homes and gardens on Easter Sunday for hidden chocolates and eggs.

Easter in Norway

In Norway, the Easter holiday is longer than in many other European countries and therefore one of the most anticipated holidays as well. Beginning on Wednesday afternoon before Maundy Thursday, Easter in Norway lasts until Tuesday morning.

When living and working in Norway you will find that although Easter is a religious holiday, many do not celebrate is as such. Lots of people retreat to their cabins or go skiing instead. Nevertheless, Easter symbols like chickens, Easter eggs and Easter bunnies – all predominantly in yellow colour – as well as the custom of the Easter Hunt are typical in Norwegian culture.

One unique Easter tradition in Norway is reading Påskekrimmen (crime novels) or watching detective stories. Each year, nearly every TV channel produces a crime mystery for Easter and even the milk company prints family-friendly crime stories on their cartons.

Easter in Mexico

In contrast to some European countries Easter in Mexico still is of great religious importance and is therefore one of the most widely celebrated holidays of the year. Easter holidays are a combination of Semana Santa (Holy week), from Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) until Domingo de Pascua (Easter Sunday) and Pascua, celebrated from Resurrection Sunday until the following one. Only Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are public holidays, but students and many workers enjoy a two week break during this time.

The Easter week in Mexico, as well as in many other Latin American countries is filled with religious processions and passion plays of which the most important one is the presentation of the Vía Crucis which shows Jesus being sent to be crucified. When living and working in Mexico you won’t come across any mention of the Easter Bunny or chocolate eggs on Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday is generally a day when people go to Mass and celebrate quietly with their families, though in some places there are festivities with fireworks.

Easter traditions around the world can vary dramatically and be celebrated either with a deep religious meaning or just a family feast, providing time to relax. Working effectively across cultures requires an awareness of how this holiday is celebrated differently across cultures.  Respecting these differences and showing understanding will help you to avoid misunderstandings and frustrations with your international counterparts and build more effective long-term relationships.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2012

Tagged with: • • • • •
Feb 22

UK Ranked Worst Place to Live in Europe – Is It Really That Bad?

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture, Culture training for Business & Management 1 Comment »

According to the uSwitch.com Quality of Life Index in September 2011, the UK was rated the worst place to live in Europe. This Index calculates the quality of life of 10 European countries using factors such as cost of living, income, hours of sunshine, life expectancy, culture and working hours.

Although some may argue that bad weather makes living and working in the UK difficult, it is unfortunately not the only reason why the UK lags behind. In fact much of this poor ranking is down to the high cost of accommodation, public transportation and fuel which overshadow the UK’s high incomes (ranked 4th in the study). These factors combined with the higher number of hours workers spend in the office, fewer days off and a later retirement age all lead to the argument that the UK is the worst place to live in Europe.

London Skyline ferrantraite i4 UK Ranked Worst Place to Live in Europe – Is It Really That Bad?

© istockphoto.com/ferrantraite

The 2011 urban riots that shook the country and confirmed the idea of a ‘broken society’ put the finishing touches to this negative image of living and working in the UK. For some there is no wonder why the country is becoming less attractive to expats. According to the HSBC Expat Survey 67% of the expats living and working in the UK believe that the economic situation in the country has worsened over the past few years.

But is living and working in the UK that bad? What happened to the legendary British ‘Home, sweet home’? We should not be too pessimistic. Last year International Living magazine published its 2010 annual ranking of the world’s best places to live in and the UK dropped to 25th place falling behind former communist countries such as the Czech Republic and Lithuania. However the UK was ranked 7th in the same study in 2011 which is quite a positive change.

Besides many recent economic difficulties, living and working in the UK does come with other challenges. Expats should understand British culture in order to successfully fit into British society. For example, a key British behaviour that some expats struggle to understand is indirectness. People in the UK are often perceived to be very polite and have an indirect way of communicating. They don’t always say what they mean, answers are often ambiguous and many rely on non-verbal communication such as facial expressions to understand other people’s reactions or perceptions. This can be difficult to interpret without an understanding of British communication styles.

Living and working in the UK also requires an understanding of British business culture in order to operate successfully in the UK work environment. The typical flat structure of many organisations in the UK can be confusing for many foreign newcomers. First names are often used, employees have great responsibilities and managers tend to act more as coaches than as authoritarian leaders. This combined with the importance placed on results and performance can be stressful for international workers who don’t anticipate and have the skills to manage the challenges they may face when living and working in the UK.

Even if some argue that the UK is becoming less attractive to expatriates, its colourful cultural and historical background combined with its dynamic innovations and increasing diversity make it a great place to live. With the many events taking place in 2012 such as the Queen’s Jubilee and the London Olympics, it will be interesting to see whether expatriates and residents will improve their opinion of the UK as a place to live and work.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2012

pixel UK Ranked Worst Place to Live in Europe – Is It Really That Bad?
Tagged with: • • • •
Previous Entries
preload preload preload
Allow Cookies?
Powered by Strategic Internet Consulting