Indian Perspective
Indian Perspective
Introduction
Globalization has opened the gates of several countries, and workforce of a global organization is made up of people from different countries, with different language and cultures. Thousands of Indians employed in the corporate sector end up working in the United States of America. This trend is expected to rise as globalization opens the gates of American shores for many Indians to relocate to America to build their career and earn attractive financial packages. The movement of people from India to the United States of America can be a huge cultural shock for people as there is a massive difference between social and work cultures of both countries. There are challenges associated with Indian people leaving their home country and moving to America that has a completely different perspective on work culture, values, beliefs, and language that makes adjustment complicated for Indian workers.
Communication Style
Indians communication style is more indirect in comparison to the communication style acceptable in the United States of America. Conflict is accepted as part of the work culture rather than avoided, making it tough for Indians workers to adjust as they are taught to limit or avoid conflict at work. Indians place greater emphasis on high context communication, leading to time to identify the central point of the message. Indians needed to adjust to the direct taking and low context communication style accepted in the United States and it is initially an obstacle for many Indians. Body language is also an important part of communication for Indians, but in American traditional body language gestures such as head nodding is alien to Americans. These body languages are of no use in America and Indians need to speak and agree or disagree on issue, rather than expect that, others would be able to interpret their head nodding (Chandra, 2013).
Language Barrier
Language is a major obstacle that can become a challenge for Indians working in the United States of America. Despite English being spoken commonly in workplaces in India, American slang and accent is something that Indian workers need to grasp soon. There is a major difference between cultural slangs and accents of Americans and it might take Indian workers, some time to get a hold of their speech style. Several Indians might not have the best understanding of the English language or might not be well aware some Standard English connotations. Even though Indians are habitual of the English language, language still remains a challenge for people as they might make wrong interpretations of a particular message. It is wise to ask and confirm from a fellow team mate to ensure that the message is communicated effectively before starting work. Wrong understanding of a work message can halt work flow and lead to delays. Therefore, it is advisable to overcome the language barrier that is presented while working with Indian employees (Chander, 2013).
Time Orientation
An important factor that interferes in the work schedule of Indians working in America is their understanding of deadlines. Indian employees treat deadlines as polychronic and give a greater level of comfort over delivery of work when deadlines are assigned in advance. This lack of respect of time orientation leads to delays in the work process interruptions. Also, they are less likely to report a delay in work to their superiors as they have the tendency of overworking themselves to complete the task in the final stages. This behaviour is completely opposite of the American style of working and time orientation. Americans prefer to work by the book and complete tasks within the time allotted. They are less likely to complete the majority of the work in a small period of time, as they stretch work out between days assigned for completing the task. Therefore, Indian workers need to adjust to the American culture and change their behaviour in the new country to satisfy their superiors and subordinates (Chander, 2013).
Process Vs Results
Indian business culture places a high level of emphasis on process orientation. Work is more or less based on a set of guidelines that are followed repetitively to develop a system of operations to ensure high efficiency. But, when Indians work in America, they are asked to focus on results. Indians are expected to move from their concept based work behaviour and focus efforts to achieve results from their efforts. This drastic shift in thinking is based on the result oriented nature American business culture, which makes it tough for Indians to adapt and adjust. It becomes complicated for Indian workers to explain to their Americans boss that a work could not be completed due to procedural issues. American companies expect their employee to complete tasks by adjusting and tweaking the process, if needed, and Indian workers need to time to adjust to these demands. This change is expected and inability to respect the procedural needs makes it tougher for Indians to adjust to American work culture (Schomer, 2006).
Relevance of Hierarchy
Conclusion
There are clear differences between Indian and American work culture and every Indian that relocates from India to work in America needs to adapt to these cultural changes. Language and cultural difference need to be managed as accents, slang terms and direct communication style are unlike anything in Indian work culture. Indian workers also need to learn that Americans are not flexible for deadlines and schedules and they expect people to deliver results within the time allotted. Indian workers need to learn that hierarchy is not relevant in the American culture and taking initiative and cross questioning is appreciated. Also, Indian workers need to adapt to the result oriented culture of American work culture as employees are expected to deliver results, even by tweaking the processes.
References
Chandra., B. (2013). Some Mission Critical Cross-cultural Issues When Working with Indian IT Professionals. Retrieved 24 July 2016 from, http://www.culturalsavvy.com/India%20Mission%20Critical%20Cross-cultural%20Issues.pdf
Schomer., K. (2006, 14 August). Culture Matters: 5 Challenges India Offshore Teams Face in Working with Americans. Retrieved 24 July 2016 from, http://www.sourcingmag.com/culture-matters-5-challenges-india-offshore-teams-face-in-working-with-americans/
