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Comparing Work Cultures in the West and the East

When we compare the organizational workplace culture in the West (US/UK mainly are considered here) and the East (India and the subcontinent, China), the differences don’t end at just the fact that they speak completely different languages or have differences in their customs and values. Every culture experiences the world around them and this defines the society and personality of its people. This is true, especially when discussing the differences in organizational working pattern.

Western organizational culture is designed such that the workers think themselves as highly independent identities whereas the easterners stress on interdependence. They value more collectivism and work well in teams whereas philosophy of individual success is more important in the west. In the West, people like to do what they are good a without a lot of interference. And they deliver. They pay attention to more on self freedom and emphasize individual self control and self development.

Different communication styles: The West adopts a are very direct and straightforward  approach to communication. When we analyze the working culture of the East they are more careful in making negative comments or raising any disagreement. They are more careful of not offending anyone.
Different attitudes towards conflict: In Eastern society it is not proper for an employee to be insolent or openly criticize the superior or the bosses. In the western world an employee has more freedom to be vocal about the differences against the superior and can express himself in public forum.

Different approaches to completing tasks: Easterners are more inclined towards problem solving and discussing the issue with the whole team and listening to various ideas. Whereas the western work culture, instead of group decision making, they prefer individualism and the decision is passed down to the managers. East are also bind by their emotions when approaching a task on the other hand westerners are more practical in approach.

Different decision-making styles: Timelines and pragmatism are two very important components that are highly valued in the west but in the east discovery and collaboration influence the decision making. Logical reasoning influence the decision making styles especially in the western culture. Decisions are typically made faster in the West compared to the East, which is both good and bad. Good, because they get more done that way. Bad at times because they don’t think things through at much during their decision making. Eastern cultures, on the other hand, argue and “bargain” endlessly about monetary decisions, stalling and prologing projects at times.

When it comes to expression of viewpoints westerners are more vocal and openly criticize the superiors. They are very straight forward in approach and clear about their thoughts. On the other hand when we focus on the east organizational behavioral pattern reaching on a significant decision takes a collective consensus from the entire team member.

Overall, it’s fair to conclude that Westerners take a “big picture” approach to things in general whereas the Easterners take a panoramic approach to any task.

Business Keynote Speaker Jerry Haney is an expert on organizational culture.

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