| racerdeb 2004-04-02, 2:13 pm |
| I am a college student working towards a CIS degree. As part of our degree plan or track we are required to take a Human Relations course. The course has been wonderful and I have learned a great deal.
As part of our semester final in this class, we have been charged with giving a presentation. Our guidelines for our presentation were to choose another culture that we would most likely encounter and will be working closely with in our field. As well as, approach the subject as a manager or supervisor. How would you manage or supervise across cultures.
Since my field is IT, my choice was India. I felt my chances of working with someone from this cultural background was the greatest of all the cultures and the one I knew the least about.
I have not been that successful finding the information I needed on the internet. I have found alot of books but I don't have time to read a dozen books only to find none of them has the details or info I need.
So here I am... In the one place that is the most multi-cultural that I know... This Forum.
I would be deeply greatful and honored if anyone on the forum would be willing to share their experiences or what you have seen as either an American (Western Culture) working with someone of Indian culture, or Vice-Versa. What do you see are the communication breakdowns or pitfalls? What are the must do's and taboo's on either side of situation? What would either culture expect from their organization with regards to recognizing the differnt cultures for holiday purposes, office environment, dress or dress code, etc.? Has the H.R. manual been adapted to these cultural differences?
Please be honest and objective. Your feedback helps more than just me. My presentation will be given to a large number of HR students in all fields, not just IT. |