Lessons From Asia10/12/2007
Of course, on the surface, things seemed very different at times. The chaotic traffic systems, the contrast between rich and poor, the size of the population and their determination to make a sale, or get a handout, all had an impact on me. But there was nothing that I didn’t expect, since I knew something about the people and their circumstances before I left the United States. It turns out that the most surprising part of my journey was that there were no big surprises. This fact reinforces my view of a world that is now more interconnected than ever: most people are fairly similar around the world. When this assumption is used as a starting point, the differences that show on the surface can be managed, and celebrated, especially when one has a context in which to make sense of them. Dissimilarities among people are largely shaped by their experiences. These may include their location, which impacts their culture, political and economic systems. It also includes their upbringing, social and economic status, and life experiences such as war, divorce, business failure or health. In short, many of the causes of differences that one may find between people across national boundaries are the same forces that shape the differences between people in one’s own country. Many people I teach want to know the “rules” for dealing with people who are different from them. Although understandable, this attitude can be counterproductive since the person who holds this point of view is focusing on the differences, rather than the similarities. I try to emphasize the reverse. Although one may find many different sounds, sights, smells and experiences when working internationally, one most likely will find an equal number of wonderful people, with whom they have a lot in common. This is not to say that organizations should not train their employees about the different cultures one is dealing with today. In fact, I think that is completely necessary. However, it is just as important to learn what forces shape their behaviors, attitudes and ways of life that causes them to appear different on the surface. This will allow one to adapt to different behaviors, rather than trying to memorize cultural rules. A geographic context also allows one to apply patterns of knowledge to other places as well, which is extremely valuable in an age when low cost advantages shift from one country to the next, forcing organizations to adjust to new locations and cultures. In addition, this knowledge will provide a deeper understanding of the people one is encountering, as well as an understanding of why we are connected in the first place. Obtaining this knowledge, as I found on my journey, goes a long way towards creating a comfort level with people from far off places, and is a vital step in creating the conditions for a positive relationship. Ignorance, on the other hand, creates the conditions for fear and mistrust, and can derail anyone’s attempt at forming a relationship, no matter what good intentions are present. As the world gets smaller, or more interconnected, understanding one another will become more important to businesses, government, and educational institutions. There is no substitute for being there, but if that isn’t possible, the investment in knowledge of these places can take you as close as possible towards acquiring the ability to be successful in the new world order. It may also inspire one to make a trip such as this, and open a new window to the world. As for myself, the journey isn’t over. It has only peaked my curiosity even more.
|
When asked what the most overwhelming, or surprising, part of my journey was, I had to think for a moment. I had found most of the things I was looking for and met my main objective, which was to gain insight into the broad spectrum of experiences each country has to offer. I had spoken with storeowners as well as CEO’s of impressive start-ups. I toured Chinese factories and high tech Indian outsourcing firms. I stayed in five-star luxury hotels and visited the neighborhood of one of the hotel’s drivers. I taught Indian employees of an American multinational corporation and learned from students at the Indian Institute of Technology. None of these people seemed that different to me.
Similarly, the ways in which one approaches “different" citizens of one’s own country can be applied across cultures as well.