Leading culturally diverse teams in the workplace is challenging in any industry, but in the diversity-rich industries of biotechnology and life sciences, getting it right is critical to sustained success.
Your company may have developed cutting-edge technology and brought it to market first, but to stay prosperous, leaders within your organization will need to learn how to master cross-cultural leadership. This will demand cultural competence, patience, and respect from your leadership. From your HR team, it will demand training, support, and a commitment to the support of your diverse team members.
In this article, we’ll discuss three of the major cultural differences to master in your journey to leading culturally diverse teams in the workplace successfully.
1. Understanding high-context versus low-context cultures:
One of the most common sources of misunderstanding when trying to lead cross-cultural teams is the difference between a high-context and a low-context culture. Fundamentally, different regions of the world communicate very differently, even if everyone is speaking the same language.
Low-Context Cultures:
In the U.S. and across Western Europe, folks communicate in a manner that is referred to by communication experts as “low context.” In low-context cultures, you’ll find communication that is generally explicit and direct. In these regions, messages are often conveyed clearly through words. While it may help, one doesn’t need to watch another person’s facial expressions to understand the point they’re trying to make. Experts believe that the low-context communication style that is the norm in the U.S. and much of Europe may stem from the individualistic nature of our societies. In individualistic societies and low context cultures, straightforwardness and clarity are celebrated. Those from the Netherlands are exceptionally known for their direct communication styles.
High-Context Cultures:
Conversely, high-context cultures communicate not just with words, but also with nonverbal cues such as tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. In these cultures, the same phrase could have very different meanings based on how the words are paired with other social cues. High-context communication is most common in “collectivist cultures,” such as China, Japan, and throughout the Middle East. In these societies, personal relationships and social harmony are paramount, and much of the communication is implicit, relying on shared cultural norms and understandings.
Why Understanding High-Context and Low-Context Communication Differences Matters:
Why do the differences between low context and high context matter? Understanding the meaning of what people are trying to communicate can help avoid blunders that can cause lasting harm to an interpersonal relationship in the workplace and hinder the efficiency of the team. It’s not uncommon for individuals from high context cultures to perceive the direct communication style of their counterparts from a low context cultures as abrasive or rude. And for a low context communicator speaking with a high context communicator, there could be issues interpreting what a low context communicator may perceive as unclear or vague messages.
2. Understanding egalitarian versus hierarchical cultures:
Another cultural difference that comes into play when leading culturally diverse teams in the workplace is the difference between egalitarian and hierarchical cultures. Essentially, different cultures perceive leadership differently. The difference isn’t a matter of one culture having more or less respect for leadership—it’s far more nuanced than that.
This cultural difference may not be as widely spoken about, but without an understanding of the distinctions in this arena, the difference can be responsible for gaffes.
Egalitarian cultures:
Egalitarian cultures include those in the U.S. and Northern Europe, such as the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries. In egalitarian cultures, leadership is viewed as equal to the employees they manage. Employees in egalitarian cultures are typically welcome to speak up in all settings, including when they’re around leadership, as their inputs are valued. Teamwork is valued heavily in these cultures.
Hierarchical cultures:
Hierarchical cultures are exactly as their names suggest: the ranking of authority, seniority, and position are held in high regard in workplaces and cultures that are hierarchical. This culture is common in areas like South America, India, Asia, Russia, and parts of Europe. In Japan, for example, when a group of associates enters an elevator, the lowest-ranking person is expected to operate the elevator buttons.
3. Understanding monochronic versus polychronic cultures
Different cultures have very different notions of time and scheduling, which can cause teammates who are unaware of the relevant cultural nuances to be offended or frustrated. These differences most famously pop up when teammates are planning a meeting, discussing agenda items, or planning an event or meal together.
Monochronic cultures:
Monochronic cultures include the Dutch, the Germans, and the British. In most cases, the U.S. can be described as having a monochronic culture too, although Americans can be somewhere between the two cultures. These cultures value the numerical nature of time and relate timeliness and punctuality to respect for others. People from monochronic cultures tend to speak on one topic at a time and like to follow lists (like agendas).
Polychronic cultures:
In a polychronic culture, time is seen as more fluid, and priorities shift as days unfold and circumstances change. In a polychronic culture, individuals are not likely to mind if a conversation goes off topic, especially if the interruption is an important one.
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Cornerstone can help you tap into a global network of specialized and hard-to-find talent. At Cornerstone, we hold the belief that diverse thoughts, ideas, and leaders drive companies to perform at their highest achievable level. This belief yields positive results for our clients: over 50% of the candidates that we help our clients hire come from diverse backgrounds.
Cornerstone is proud to serve the diversity-rich life sciences industry and has done so for over 20 years. We’re eager to connect you with talent across the world. Start a conversation with us today to learn more.
