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Jan 10

Effective Global Leadership: Leading in Asia

Cross Cultural Training, Culture, Culture training for Business & Management No Comments »

Asian countries such as India, China and Japan are fast becoming some of the most successful global players in international business. Not only have their businesses recovered more steadily from the challenges facing the global economy, but many have experienced higher growth and performance than any other region in the world. Many western businesses are now looking to Asian companies to see what they are doing that brings them such international success. In particular, there is an increased focus on those individuals leading across cultures as they are the ones making such immense strides in international business.

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What is it that makes Asian businesses and leaders so successful? In 2010 the Hay Group conducted a survey in which they gathered information from 1,827 organisations worldwide to try to determine what made companies or leaders so successful. Interestingly, the survey found that Asian companies tend to be more willing to implement new ideas or best practice and change the way the business functions.

Samsung, one of the most successful companies in Asia, runs a series of special programmes for the top leadership team on subjects such as art, music and history to transform their members into ‘world-citizens’. By focusing on areas such as these, Samsung’s leaders are developing a broader suite of skills and knowledge that they can tap into as they develop new strategies for the company to ensure they stay at the forefront of their competition.

This is also part of the overall attitude that Asian companies convey when doing business across borders. Organisations in Asia Pacific spend more time visiting and learning from their peers than their Western counterparts. This has a strong influence on the way companies in the region manage their own employees as well. The survey showed that Asian organisations tend to transfer this curiosity to their subsidiaries, give them more autonomy and accept their ideas more readily.

The openness to new ideas and ways of thinking is definitely one aspect that makes leaders in Asia increasingly successful, however some argue that their leadership style may not be that transferable when leading across cultures. The survey showed that about half of the Asian leaders from the top five companies in Asia prefer a directive and authoritarian leadership style which respects hierarchy. While this can work in some cultures, it can also have the potential of being counterproductive to the performance and innovation of the company.

Despite this leadership style, Asian leaders seem to have developed pivotal skills in establishing external and internal relationships that enable the long-term good of the company. For example, Indian CEOs manage complex webs of external relations with the media and government while Chinese CEOs appear to be experts in the concept of personal relationship building referred to as ‘guanxi’. The importance many Asian leaders place on personal relationships, such that legal arrangements come second, can be quite a different approach to that of many western leaders.

While Asian companies stand out in contrast to other global companies in their way of networking, they also shine in how they promote or reward their employees. This can help to explain some of the vast growth and success of these top Asian companies, however they need to be cautious as promoting employees too quickly might also turn out to be counterproductive when employees don’t experience any room to develop their competencies fully or learn new business capabilities.

The hunger and curiosity for new ideas and best practices seen in Asian organisations shows a unique management style which is often extremely effective. Though the authoritarian leadership style and approaches found in many Asian cultures may be perceived negatively in some cultures, their overall interest for innovation is something that more Western countries should be tapping into and also applying to their own styles.

When leading across cultures, particularly in markets such as Asia, global leaders need to understand how the approach differs and adapt their own style to find the best of both worlds. A combination of each cultural leadership style can give global leaders and organisations a competitive edge in this increasingly challenging market.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Jan 09

Living and Working in Germany: Bavaria and its Uniqueness

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture No Comments »

Every September and October Munich becomes the centre of attention, especially for those who count themselves as beer lovers. In the month of September the mayor of the city taps the first keg of beer in the Schottenhammel tent on the Theresienwiese in Munich. This annual ritual officially starts Oktoberfest which is always held in the last two weeks of September each year and finishes during the first weekend in October. As Oktoberfest kicks off, massive crowds of tourists descend upon Munich from all over the world to enjoy the well-known ‘Maβ’ beer served in a one litre mug.

Germany Flag wrangel i Living and Working in Germany: Bavaria and its Uniqueness

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Although this part of southern Germany is known for its beer and Oktoberfest, Bavaria has a lot more to offer. Some may argue that the free state of Bavaria cherishes its historical traditions more than any other state in Germany, while it tends to see itself as different from the others. Foreigners are not alone when they struggle to understand the local customs and traditions in Bavaria as many Germans are often surprised by the cultural differences they encounter there.

Living and working in Germany can be a completely different experience in Bavaria than in other parts of the country. Anyone living and working in Bavaria should try to gain an understanding of the customs, behaviours and traditions that are unique to this part of Germany.

Here are a few cultural mannerisms and attitudes that you may come across in Bavaria:

  • A unique combination of traditional and modern values and attitudes towards life and business
  • A distinct dialect which even Germans from the North can find hard to understand as it differs quite a bit from High German
  • A tendency to use double negations. For example: ‘Der Fonsi hod koa Gschpusi net’, meaning ‘The Fonsi has never not had a girlfriend’
  • The use of the subjunctive as an expression for politeness. For example you may often hear men say ‘I waar soweid’ when waiting for their wife when she still isn’t ready to go. In other words, they will be ready when their wife is
  • A special weather condition which can only be observed in the alpine regions called the ‘Föhn’. This kind of ‘downslope’ wind can cause migraines or sleeplessness but it is also responsible for the gorgeous blue sky often seen in this region
  • The biggest per-capita-consumption of beer at 215 litres a year
  • Beer from the widest selection of 631 regional breweries in the state all brewed by the same German purity law
  • Culinary specialties like ‘Brezn’, ‘Weiβwurscht’ (Bavarian veal sausage) or ‘Hendl’ (roast chicken) which are typically eaten with beer during Oktoberfest
  • Traditional costumes worn for daily purposes as well as cultural festivities. Some of the most well-known include ‘Lederhose’ and ‘Dirndl’ for women which usually consists of a traditional blouse, dress and apron which is said to give a stunning figure to every woman no matter the size.

Living and working in Germany can be very exciting and different when Bavaria is the selected destination. If you are going on an international assignment to Bavaria be sure to prepare yourself by researching this part of Germany thoroughly so you know what to expect. A cross-cultural awareness training course can also help you to further expand your understanding of German and Bavarian culture so that you can make the most out of this unique social and professional experience.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Jan 04

Intercultural Weddings: How Cross Cultural Awareness Can Help to Create a Lifetime of Happiness

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It might appear surprising that when two people fall in love and decide to spend their life together, they often face their first real test as a couple when they start organising their wedding ceremony. Organising weddings can be quite a challenge for the couple and their families, especially when the wedding unites two people from two or more different cultures.

Muslim Bride Shelton Muller i Intercultural Weddings: How Cross Cultural Awareness Can Help to Create a Lifetime of Happiness

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Intercultural weddings are becoming increasingly popular as people become more prone to global mobility and cross-cultural relationships. Although the number of intercultural weddings is on the rise, many couples still lack the fundamental understanding they need to make sense of and successfully cope with the numerous cross cultural differences they will face in their intercultural relationship. A high level of cross cultural awareness is vital to successfully bringing together two families through an intercultural wedding.

An interview by Helyn Trickey on CNN highlighted how the number of intercultural weddings grow as the number of people living and working in different countries increases. Often when people of two or more different cultural backgrounds get married, they tend to blend their different nationalities and cultures into one to form a new family culture. In many cultures intercultural weddings have traditionally been seen quite negatively, but an increasing number of people feel more optimistic about the positive possibilities a long-term intercultural relationship can bring.

When a couple starts planning the wedding ceremony, they may struggle at times to both celebrate and respect their own cultural traditions and heritage. Susanna Macomb, author of the book Joining Hands and Hearts: Interfaith, Intercultural Wedding Celebrations says that one way to make an intercultural wedding ceremony an enjoyable experience for all members of both families is for the couple to consider and clarify the different cultural traditions and values they believe in to create a mutual understanding before attempting to plan the ceremony.

This allows the couple to identify any aspect of the other culture which is either drastically different or perhaps considered offensive to the other culture. This in turn will not only help to ensure that they deal with any cultural differences of how they’d like to celebrate their wedding ceremony, but it will also help them to further discover the things that they have in common which will strengthen their relationship even more. Being aware of the symbolism used in both cultures can make a wedding more meaningful for both families.

One Hindu-Catholic couple who recently celebrated an intercultural wedding were able to combine traditions to create something even more special. Candles and fire play an important role in both Hindu and Catholic weddings. In Hinduism, an oil lamp with five wicks resembles the five elements wind, earth, fire, sky, and water. In Catholicism the lighting of candles is a symbol of devotional intention. Rebecca and Jayant Menon were married by interfaith minister Macomb who took into account both of the meaningful elements from Catholicism and Hinduism to build a bridge between the two different cultures and religions.

Making a wedding work between two people representing different cultures is not too different from making any intercultural interaction work, whether social or professional. An awareness and consideration of what each person values and respects can create more fruitful relationships and reduce cultural misunderstandings. Cross cultural awareness can help both intercultural couples and multicultural team members to be more open and understanding of each other to communicate and love successfully when encountering the adventure of a different culture and might thus even make the walk to the couple therapist redundant.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Jan 03

Working Effectively across Cultures: Perceptions of Time

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture, Culture training for Business & Management, Culture training for Human Resources, Culture training for the Public sector 1 Comment »

Time is one of the most precious commodities in today’s modern world, however the value we give to time and how we manage our day by it is not universal. Many professionals working across cultures are surprised by how their international counterparts manage meetings, projects or other business activities. Different interpretations of being ‘on time’, the importance placed on deadlines and how people refer to the past, present or future are just some aspects of how time can be perceived differently across cultures.

Working effectively across cultures requires an awareness of different perceptions of time which will help to reduce the complexity of international business and put you in a better position to manage and harness cultural differences.

Clock DNY59 i Working Effectively across Cultures: Perceptions of Time

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There are so many components of time that need to be understood when working across cultures that it can become quite confusing. Dutch interculturalist Fons Trompenaars suggests a simple model which puts attitudes to time into two general categories: sequential and synchronic. With these terms Trompenaars attempts to describe how people around the world generally manage their time and how time impacts on their behaviour and mindset.

In sequential cultures Trompenaars argues that time is dealt with in a specific logical order. For example people from a sequential culture may prefer to have a detailed agenda for meetings and regular milestones throughout the life cycle of a project. They rely on this structure and can find a more flexible approach to time frustrating. Time tends to control and influence what people do in sequential cultures, and many will find value in the expression ‘time is money’.

People in synchronic cultures tend to manage their time quite differently than those from sequential cultures. In synchronic cultures people will have a much broader and more flexible perception of time. As such time is adaptable and allows much more freedom for tasks to be achieved. People from synchronic cultures don’t tend to be slaves to time but rather they use time as a guidance for how they structure their day and life. In synchronic cultures people will approach tasks in a much more open way and not be as beholden to deadlines and timeframes. Rescheduling a meeting at the last minute, showing up a few minutes after the meeting start time or missing an agreed deadline are all things they accept readily.

While this approach may frustrate those from a sequential culture, their more rigid and structured approach to time can seem inflexible and too strict to those from synchronic cultures. Here are a few additional different attitudes you may find in sequential and synchronic cultures.

As you read through the list ask yourself what you agree with the most. Then think about how someone with the opposite approach may perceive you.


Sequential cultures Synchronic cultures
People tend to do one thing at a time People tend to do multiple things at a time
Times are precise and punctuality is valued Times and deadlines are guidelines that people may intend to meet but won’t always
Time is limited – time is a resource that needs to be efficiently used Time is a tool, a subjective, mouldable concept
Logic, efficiency and speed are the focus of business Relationships are the focus of business and will improve efficiency
Tasks are sometimes secondary to time Sticking to time is secondary to building relationships
Meeting deadlines is commended Completing the task well is more important than meeting deadlines
The future is a continuation of the present The future is interconnected with the past and present


The importance that people give to time can vary dramatically. Working effectively across cultures requires the ability to not only identify different perceptions of time, but it also requires the skills to be able to manage business and relationships when attitudes to time are so drastically different. Attending a cross-cultural awareness course like Working Effectively across Cultures can give you an understanding of how cultures control time or let it control them, and how behaviours are therefore impacted.

Whether you see time as money, something to be controlled or something that will guide you from one point to another, think about the above attitudes to time you may find and be aware of how you may be perceived by your international counterparts when working across cultures.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Dec 21

Perceptions and Attitudes to Alcohol across Cultures

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture, Culture training for Business & Management, Culture training for Human Resources, Culture training for the Public sector No Comments »

Pleasure, tradition or a sin? Relaxing, exhausting or stressful? How do you see alcohol?

The festive season is upon us, and with that often comes a variety of drinks and food products that contain alcohol. Attitudes towards alcohol can vary dramatically from one culture to another, making it difficult to know when it is appropriate to mention it, let alone drink it.

Showing the wrong attitude towards alcohol can make or break a relationship on both a social and professional level so it’s important to always know how alcohol is viewed wherever you are. Cross cultural training courses can provide you with key tips about when and how to consume alcohol, if at all, so that you avoid making any damaging cultural faux-pas when socialising or doing business across cultures.

Businessdinner2 i1 Perceptions and Attitudes to Alcohol across Cultures

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Cheers!

A recent article in the Financial Times looked at the role of vodka in Russian social and business culture. Seen as an essential part of relationship building, it can be easy to jeopardise a business venture in Russia by forgetting to bring vodka and the mixer to celebrate a deal. In Russia and other countries which have been influenced by Russian culture such as the Ukraine, people celebrate contracts and important milestones around a glass of vodka before they even leave the meeting room. People from these cultures will often expect foreigners to join them in toasting the success and enjoying what can at times be a large amount of alcohol.

In East Asian countries such as China, Japan and Thailand, drinking alcohol is engrained in the social life but only after work. For instance, people from Thailand often drink alcohol to celebrate important occasions. They will also enjoy a glass of wine or beer at dinner, but doing so at lunch can be considered unprofessional and bad-mannered.

When doing business in France it’s common to have an aperitif at the beginning of a professional meal to toast successful business, upcoming events or to health and life in general. It is also customary to drink wine throughout lunch or dinner in France, although they will usually consume less during the day.

The Gift of Alcohol

Gift-giving is often an important part of relationship building in many cultures so you may be expected to bring a gift at the start of a business venture or relationship. Some will expect a nice box of chocolates while others will appreciate a traditional or local product from your home country. Alcohol is sometimes perceived to be a very generous or appropriate gift but always check with someone from the host country before bringing it.

Here are a few ideas of how alcohol is or isn’t appreciated as a gift in cultures around the world.

  • In France, offering a good bottle of wine or old spirit is appreciated. Many companies will offer bottles of wines or good whiskey to their best clients for Christmas or other special occasions, and when visiting someone’s home it’s always a kind gesture to bring a nice bottle.
  • In Thailand, there used to be a well practised tradition of giving alcohol to blue collar workers while white collar workers would receive a basket with biscuits, tea, alcohol, juices and coffee. More recently however people tend to avoid giving alcohol generally and instead offer baskets of fresh fruit.
  • When doing business with Jewish counterparts in Israel or elsewhere be aware that some will avoid drinking alcohol at all as part of their religious beliefs. Always check with your colleagues whether it is appropriate. In some cases wine is acceptable but it’s a good idea to buy bottles in a kosher wine specialist shop.

Alcohol as an Offence

Although social drinking is accepted in many business environments around the world, some countries prohibit alcohol consumption. In most Muslim countries, especially in the Middle East, drinking or offering alcohol could deeply offend your counterparts. In some countries it is not only a question of respect but also a legal one. For example in Saudi Arabia or Iran anyone bringing in alcohol could be arrested and prosecuted.

For most Hindus, drinking or offering alcohol is usually perceived as disrespectful but this often depends on the generation of the individual and how much they follow the religious beliefs. When doing business in India and other countries with large populations of Hindus, you may therefore find mixed attitudes towards alcohol so it’s always best to check what is appropriate before drinking in public.

Some international companies can also encounter problems regarding products containing traces of alcohol in the ingredients. Boxes of chocolate which contain liquor or salad dressing with white wine vinegar may be forbidden in countries like Saudi Arabia where laws around alcohol are very strict.

International businesses relationships can be threatened or strengthened with alcohol, depending on how it is used. It’s not something that people tend to think about when working across cultures, but their success can depend on whether they show the right attitude and behaviour towards alcohol. Cross cultural training courses can help anyone working across cultures to understand how to avoid the risk that can come with not understanding local values and perceptions towards things like alcohol, whether a pleasure, tradition or sin.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Dec 05

Effective Global Leadership – Have You Got What It Takes?

Cross Cultural Training, Culture, Culture training for Business & Management No Comments »

In an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world, we are constantly challenged when interacting with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Cultural differences can create significant misunderstandings and conflict that can negatively impact global business. However, cultural differences can also be a resource that can add enormous value to any global organisation. Effective global leadership requires a global mindset. In other words, effective global leaders have the ability to identify and successfully manage and harness cultural differences.

Businessman making Presentation i Effective Global Leadership – Have You Got What It Takes?

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Global leaders who demonstrate a strong global mindset will be better equipped to maximise cultural differences and perspectives which can lead to increased opportunities, value and innovation in their teams. As Jim Turley points out in a recent article in Bloomberg Businessweek about the ‘new global mindset’, “Developing an inclusive culture where all team members can successfully bring their perspectives to the table becomes essential. The research is clear: Well-managed, diverse teams will outperform homogenous teams.” Global leaders who thrive at creating and leading culturally diverse teams around the globe will find greater long-term success.

What is a ‘global mindset’?

A global mindset is what global leaders need to make the most of the cross-cultural diversity of both the company and of the global market where it does business. A global mindset involves three key characteristics: psychological, intellectual and social.

Someone with a global mindset will be passionate about diversity, enthusiastic about new adventures and capable of adapting in unfamiliar global environments. This motivation to try new things is helped by their existing intellect and knowledge of the cultures they are operating in as well as their interest and ability to constantly learn more about them.

Leaders with a global mindset have the ability to look at things from other perspectives and adapt their behaviour accordingly. This in turn helps them to effectively interact with culturally and linguistically different people through actively listening, showing them respect and empathy and building trust.

How do you develop a global mindset?

International exposure, internal mentoring programmes and cross cultural training courses like Effective Global Leadership all contribute to the development of a global mindset. Here are just a few ways you can develop a broader global mindset:

  • International exposure can be achieved through personal research on cultural subjects and world economic and political issues. Reading international newspapers, speaking to international counterparts and keeping updated about global issues can help you to better understand differences across cultures.
  • Short and long-term international travel can be a great way to develop a better understanding of the world. Keep your eyes open for new projects at work where you could get involved with colleagues or counterparts from other cultures. Organisations with a matrix structure or a wide global presence usually have plenty of opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration. Make sure the right people know you are interested in getting involved, either through formal or informal channels, and you never know what may come along.
  • Internal mentoring programmes are also a great way to get advice and tips for expanding your global mindset. Moreover, they provide you with the chance of meeting other leaders acting in a global environment who can share inspiring experiences that you can learn from.
  • A cross-cultural training course like Effective Global Leadership can also help you to develop the skills you need and build relationships with people in international roles. An Effective Global Leadership course gives you opportunities to develop your cultural knowledge and understanding to help you to face any cross-cultural challenge more effectively.

Stay ahead of the game and get involved at a more competitive level by working on developing your global mindset little by little. The combination of informal initiatives that take a few minutes a day with more formalised methods such as training or a mentoring programme can enable you to create a world of global opportunities!

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Dec 01

Living and Working in the UK: Harnessing the Best of British Culture

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture No Comments »

Every culture has a unique set of stereotypes that have been formed and reinforced throughout the years and the UK is no exception. Even in some of the most popular guides Britain and its population are presented in such a way that confirms what many consider as typical British peculiarities. Anyone living and working in the UK however should be aware that many of these cultural stereotypes are not always true in every situation.

Westminster Graeme Purdy i Living and Working in the UK: Harnessing the Best of British Culture

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The UK does not always have a very good reputation abroad. Brits are often seen as a mass of overweight people with a terrible sense of humour and the inability to cook good food. Some believe that Brits will never skip their sacred afternoon tea ritual which is usually followed by a simple dinner such as fish and chips or a greasy meat pie. Many think that these meals are usually eaten in local pubs, accompanied by a pint of beer, and followed by scenes of public drunkenness.  While many Brits enjoy having a cup of tea or evening meal out in the pub, the idea that they do these things every single day is indeed a cultural stereotype that has been built up over generations.

Some stereotypes and perceptions of Brits are more neutral and positive. For example Brits are well known for their British values of fair play and keeping calm in the face of adversity. These attitudes of honesty, equality and calmness are ever present in many British behaviours, but not more so than in the “art of queuing”. Brits are well known for their ability and need to queue, whatever the situation. In fact the need to respect and master this art of queueing is considered so important in British society that understanding how to queue properly has been included in the new citizenship tests immigrants have to take.

One book that looks closely at British behaviours is Watching the English: the Hidden Rules of English Behaviours by Kate Fox. In this anthropological study of the English population, Fox traces behavioural rules that seem to govern every aspect of English life. There are chapters about how Brits behave at work, in the pub, on the bus and at home. She also looks at how Brits talk, what they talk about, how they dress and many other social topics.

Through her research Fox identified what she calls a social “dis-ease” that governs every aspect of British behaviour. She argues that there is a constant awkwardness, embarassment and clumsiness that characterises any kind of British social interaction. Although Fox’s book might be perceived as an exaggeration and reinforcement of many British stereotypes, it can be an extremely useful resource for people who have never had much contact with Brits.

Whether or not you have had some contact with British culture, be aware of the many cultural idiosyncrasies and underlying values that will impact how your British counterparts think and behave. For example, when living and working in the UK, it can be very beneficial to understand British irony and humour which plays a big, although very implicit, role in communication that can often go unnoticed.

Knowing how to approach your British counterparts and build relationships with them will help you to ensure that you avoid any cultural faux-pas or wasted time. Reading books like that written by Kate Fox is one way of improving your understanding of British culture. This combined with a cross cultural training course such as Living and Working in the UK will help you to ensure that you effectively break down and interpret the many stereotypes that exist about British culture so that you react appropriately in any British context.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Nov 24

Thanksgiving Day

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture No Comments »

Can you already smell roasted turkey with stuffing and pumpkin pie? Can you hear the noise of football matches? Yes, you’re right, it’s Thanksgiving. Every year on the fourth Thursday of November Americans gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving. This tradition has been rooted in American culture for centuries, so if you are living and working in the USA or planning to do so, you should be aware of its importance and the impact it has on life and business in the USA.

Thanksgiving Christmas Dinner Sean Locke i Thanksgiving Day

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Where does Thanksgiving come from?

What is considered as the first Thanksgiving in American history took place in 1621 in Plymouth plantations, where Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared a successful harvest feast. This was held to celebrate God and thank him for having guided the colonists safely to the New World. The celebration was then observed first as a religious tradition and, later, as a civil one. During the Civil War in 1863 Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday to be celebrated each November.

How is Thanksgiving celebrated?

Thanksgiving has now lost its original religious meaning for most American families. The focus of the celebration is now on spending quality time together and sharing a good meal. So what are the key ingredients of a good Thanksgiving meal? Turkey is the centrepiece of Thanksgiving and has become the main symbol of the holiday. It was probably not included in the first meal the Pilgrims shared with the Indians, but what is sure is that around 90% of Americans eat it on Thanksgiving. Either roasted, fried or baked, the turkey is usually accompanied by stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. In addition to cooking and eating which takes a large portion of the day, Americans like to gather together to watch football, participate in parades or volunteer. Many Americans will start their Christmas shopping on the day after Thanksgiving which is often referred to as Black Friday.

Thanksgiving Tips

If you are living and working in the USA, make sure you participate in Thanksgiving celebrations and make the most of this experience. Giving the right importance to this event is central for you to integrate into American society, build friendships and make the most of your stay. Here are some tips on how to do that:

  • Do not expect your American colleagues on Thanksgiving Day. Remember: it is a national holiday and offices are kept closed all day
  • Thank your colleagues for their hard work, collaboration or companionship with a Thanksgiving card or a simple note on the day
  • If you are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, accept with enthusiasm any food your guests offer to bring
  • If you are invited to dinner bring a gift and write a thank you note
  • Show an interest in American football games as these are often a big part of Thanksgiving celebrations
  • If invited to someone’s home, offer to help with the preparations. Thanksgiving is a family affair and almost everyone plays a role in getting it all ready, even guests

If you are planning to move to the USA or work with American counterparts you might want to improve your knowledge about American culture by attending a cultural awareness training programme like Living and Working in the USA. It will teach you more about American customs, traditions and values and help you develop the skills to build better relationships with your American colleagues.

Happy Thanksgiving!

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Nov 03

Bonfire Night: An Essential British Experience for Anyone Living and Working in Great Britain

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Every year on 5 November people in Great Britain celebrate Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night. Anyone living and working in Great Britain should be aware of this tradition as it can be a great opportunity to experience local culture and socialise with friends and family. Understanding British customs and traditions can also help you to more effectively integrate into British society and establish better working relationships with your British counterparts.

Fireworks ludwig wagner i Bonfire Night: An Essential British Experience for Anyone Living and Working in Great Britain

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So what is Bonfire Night and how is it celebrated? Bonfire Night commemorates the events of 5 November 1605 which are sometimes also referred to as the Gunpowder Plot. The protagonist of these events was a man called Guy Fawkes who was part of a group of English Catholics who were unhappy with the protestant King. Guy Fawkes, Robert Catesby and a group of other Catholics started plotting the King’s assassination.

On the night of 5 November the conspirators attempted to kill the King by placing some explosives under the House of Lords. Their aim was to kill the King as well as many other members of the monarchy and government. One of the most active participants in this murder attempt was Guy Fawkes who was responsible for guarding the explosives in a cellar under the House of Lords. The plan was foiled and Guy Fawkes was caught in the cellar. After being tortured for several days, he confessed and was then executed.

On that same night in 1605 people set bonfires alight to celebrate the King’s survival. This tradition has been respected ever since and people all over Great Britain and in some Commonwealth nations like New Zealand and Australia celebrate this day with bonfires and fireworks. In addition to bonfires and fireworks, some will make “guys” – effigies of Guy Fawkes made out of old clothes and newspapers that will then be burnt in the bonfires.

Another tradition observed on this day is the State Opening of Parliament. Ever since these events of 1605, the King or Queen will traditionally only enter Parliament once a year on 5 November. Before the event, the cellars of the Palace of Westminster are inspected by the Yeomen of the Guard to assure the monarch’s safety and commemorate and celebrate the historical event.

Being aware of traditions and customs like this can help anyone living and working in Great Britain to understand the culture. Attending a cross cultural training programme like Living and Working in Great Britain will provide you with all the information you need about British customs and traditions like Bonfire Night as well as other useful information on British social and business culture.

So if you are living and working in Great Britain be sure to take part in one of the events going on in London or other cities in Great Britain this weekend.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Oct 26

Diwali – The Festival of Lights

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Diwali is one of the most important Hindu festivals. During this festival, houses are illuminated with a myriad of candles and small lamps called Diyas. The name Diwali is an abbreviation of the word Deepavali which literally means “row of lights”. Most people refer to this holiday in English as the “Festival of Lights”. Diwali usually occurs between mid-October and mid-November and lasts for five days. Anyone living and working in India or doing business with Indian counterparts should be aware of the importance of this holiday and how it impacts Indian culture and life each year.

Diwali Diyas© Kulpreet Photography i5 Diwali – The Festival of Lights

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Celebrations of Diwali in India have ancient religious origins. Each of the five days of this festival celebrates a particular legend or story. The first day of Diwali, for example, is Dhanteras and usually marks the beginning of the financial year as it is believed to be a time for wealth and prosperity. On this first day of the festival people pray to the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi, who people guide into their homes by lighting candles and diyas in their houses and on the streets.

Another legend commemorated during Diwali is about Rama and his wife Sita who he saved from the demon Ravana before returning to Ayodhya to become king. On their way back, Rama and his wife could not see as it was a very dark night, so people placed lamps outside their houses to help them find their way home.

Diwali is celebrated in different ways across India and other countries. For example people in Northern India tend to celebrate Rama’s legend while in Gujarat and Maharashtra they celebrate the Goddess Lakshmi more. In Nepal the festival focuses on the defeat of the demon king Narakaasura by Lord Krishna, while in Bengal they tend to focus on celebrating the Goddess Kali. Despite these differences, there are a few main ideas that remain the same everywhere: light triumphs over darkness, good supersedes evil and knowledge prevails over ignorance.

Before the start of Diwali festivals people redecorate their homes and draw traditional motifs of ‘rangoli’ at the entrances. They also wear new clothes and prepare big festive meals. People also decorate their houses lighting Diyas and big firework displays in celebration are a tradition.

During Diwali one of the most important rituals is the exchange of gifts to show love and affection to family members and friends. Even people who live far from their families usually send greetings and gifts to their beloved at home. Common gifts are flowers, sweets, dry fruit and nuts, clothes and silver or gold items such as jewellery or other decorative objects.

Diwali is celebrated around the world by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains. Anyone living and working in India or other countries including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore should be aware of how Diwali impacts daily life in this period.

Here are some tips to help you show respect and work effectively with your Indian counterparts during this holiday.

  • Plan meetings without interfering with Diwali’s celebration. Be aware that a lot of business people will take the day off in preparation for a new accounting year and to spend time with their families.
  • Don’t set any project deadlines that coincide with Diwali.
  • If you work regularly with people who celebrate Diwali, you can show respect for their tradition and your relationship by giving them a small gift such as a box of sweets or nuts. If you cannot give them a gift, a small greeting by email would also be appreciated.
  • Indians tend to spend lots of money on the first day of Diwali buying presents and shopping in general, so if you are with them accept any generosity graciously.
  • Don’t say “no” to an invite to Diwali celebrations. This can be a great to way to build relationships with your colleagues and experience a unique cultural festival.
  • If invited to Diwali celebrations, or if sharing a meal with colleagues who celebrate Diwali, avoid drinking alcohol.

Cross cultural awareness training programmes like Living and Working in India or Doing Business in India can provide you with the essential knowledge you need about the country and its culture. By showing an understanding of key Indian traditions or holidays like Diwali, you can build more effective social and business relationships which will create more value in the long-term.

Don’t forget to send your colleagues a traditional Diwali greeting in the appropriate language!

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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