Evaluating Intercultural Behaviour (Post #4)
On recent overseas trip, some Japanese tourists in front of me on a tour bus were having an intense conversation in their native tongue. Noticing the frowns on their faces, a curious American enquired on their subject of displeasure. One of the Japanese explained that his organization was hiring proficient English teachers for a Japanese school and had received an application from a Canadian. When answering “What makes you a strong candidate for this position?” in the application form, the Canadian greatly elaborated on his academic qualifications and personal achievements. The Japanese rejected his application since he felt that the Canadian was boastful and such a character was not suited for the position of a teacher. The Japanese tourists also concurred that the Canadian applicant was egoistic to the point of being rude! Bewildered by the perceptions of the Japanese, the American explained that it was a norm for Canadians to explicitly express their strengths in order to secure a job opportunity in Canada.
Initially, I shared similar thoughts with the American. However, my multi-cultural societal background helped me comprehend the viewpoints of the Japanese and Canadian. This was clearly a clash between different cultural values. The Japanese probably felt that the Canadian’s application reflected that he was boastful and individualistic. This was unfavourable to the Japanese since they value teamwork. Moreover, the Canadian’s selling of himself was inconsistent with the Japanese culture, hence the adverse reaction of the Japanese. Conversely, the listing of one’s academic and personal achievements in job applications is a norm in most countries since employers seek all-rounded applicants with a multitude of qualities. As such, the listing of relevant accomplishments would boost applicants’ chances in securing a job application.
Through confirmation with secondary sources, I learnt that such misunderstandings are common in intercultural interactions as it is easy to make negative attributions as a result of cultural differences. Cultural norms that might be instinctive to one might be repulsive to another. These cultural differences and hence misunderstandings often result in unpleasant emotional and practical consequences such as hurt feelings, missed opportunities, and even organized warfare if considered in extremities. Therefore, cultural sensitivity is a real issue that one needs to be aware of when making intercultural communication.
Initially, I shared similar thoughts with the American. However, my multi-cultural societal background helped me comprehend the viewpoints of the Japanese and Canadian. This was clearly a clash between different cultural values. The Japanese probably felt that the Canadian’s application reflected that he was boastful and individualistic. This was unfavourable to the Japanese since they value teamwork. Moreover, the Canadian’s selling of himself was inconsistent with the Japanese culture, hence the adverse reaction of the Japanese. Conversely, the listing of one’s academic and personal achievements in job applications is a norm in most countries since employers seek all-rounded applicants with a multitude of qualities. As such, the listing of relevant accomplishments would boost applicants’ chances in securing a job application.
Through confirmation with secondary sources, I learnt that such misunderstandings are common in intercultural interactions as it is easy to make negative attributions as a result of cultural differences. Cultural norms that might be instinctive to one might be repulsive to another. These cultural differences and hence misunderstandings often result in unpleasant emotional and practical consequences such as hurt feelings, missed opportunities, and even organized warfare if considered in extremities. Therefore, cultural sensitivity is a real issue that one needs to be aware of when making intercultural communication.
posted by Bryan at
7:40 PM
3 Comments:
Hi Bryan!
Your post made me realize that even within the scope of intercultural differences, other forms exist; your example cited one of temporal difference. Evident in today’s society is a paradigm shift in our societal norms, with the most prominent illustration present in the business world: where moral codes held high regards when conducting business in older generations, current times regard money-making to be of paramount importance compared to relations.
Similarly, developed countries have seen moral ethics previously held in high esteem being replaced by that of more metropolitan ones. The Canadian did what any other city-folk looking for a job would have done; he delineated his forte in a bid to outshine other job applicants. My inference tells me that the Japanese gentleman might have been anticipating the applicant to place emphasis on the importance of imparting proper values to the children as a teacher as well as the joy and satisfaction of such an honorable occupation.
Cultural differences can indeed lead to misinterpretations of character; when considering an individual from a different cultural background for a job, understanding their cultural norm may be more important than the details on the application form as a direct conversation with the person may reveal that he has more to offer. Similarly, when applying for a job, it falls upon the onus of the applicant to research and understand the potential employer’s cultural features so as to secure the job instead of offending the other party.
Regards,
Desmond
Hi Bryan!
You've done a great job in explaining clearly the reason to the difference between the Japanese's expectations and the Canadian's portrayal of confidence. So well done=)
This experience which you shared is very applicable to those who are in the workforce as it gives them an added advantage if the applicants understand the culture of the company that they are applying for to allow them to adapt to different company cultures.
Perhaps the Canadian applicant could have found out more regarding the culture and values of a Japanese company before going for the interview. He would probably have been more concious of his choice of words and his attitude during the interview.
It is true that cultural sensitivity is of paramount importance when making intercultural communication as any small misunderstanding might escalate to a conflict.
Overall, an interesting and well-explained post=)
Cheers
Cassandra
Hi Bryan,
Your post has interestingly illustrated the intricacies of intercultural behaviour. =P In our world today, society is a mesh work of different cultures and therefore, one must practice cultural relativism and not take others for granted.
I found the reactions of the Japanese interesting though I am not surprise. Having the same sentiment as Cas and Desmond, I agree that the Canadian should have researched on the values and goals of his prospective job. With some background research, he would have taken the correct approach in the interview and portray himself in a favorable light.
Thanks for sharing this incident, Bryan. It has indeed highlighted the importance of intercultural communication and sensitivity especially in the business realm.
Regards,
Mario
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