• How do you compare to the cultures you have contact with?
What I’ve witnessed in Canada so far are sharp cultural differences to my native Saudi Arabia. The most notable difference is how people here enjoy greater freedoms in social life. For example, I see how the handshake is a common manner of greeting among friends, acquaintances or colleagues. Even girls do not hesitate to shake hands with men. This sort of contact is totally forbidden in Saudi Arabia, where it is not only illegal but also considered immoral. Back home, we only see men shaking hands with other men, sometimes perhaps even kiss on each cheek. Likewise women greet each other through hugs or kisses. But any kind of physical contact between the two sexes is prohibited in public places. So it was refreshing to see so much freedom in interpersonal relations in Canada. Another thing I noticed is how public life in Canada is not tied to religious practice. In contrast, in Saudi Arabia, culture is tightly tied to Islamic codes. Moreover in Canada, I see how business affairs are carried out in a fully professional manner. In my native land, on the other hand, even business affairs are so organized that they do not interfere with religious practice or religious values.
• What attitudes and values do you have in common?
Having highlighted the major cultural differences between Canada and Saudi Arabia, their shared values also merits mention. I’ve noticed that despite the ostensibly major cultural divergences, values such as honesty, dignity and decency are common to both societies. I should add that the standards and methods through which these values are measured is again different. Even the handshake that is such a commonplace sight in Canada is a mark of respect and friendship. The hugs and kisses-to-cheeks that is the norm in Saudi Arabia serves the same purpose. Hence there are unifying themes within divergent expressions of values across the two nations.
• Where are the likely points of disagreement?
While I can clearly see the points of disagreement between the two cultures, I do not venture to evaluate which is better. I guess the particular socio-historical circumstances in Canada and Saudi Arabia gave rise to their unique cultural forms. Each is accepted and suited to their respective environments. But for someone like me, it is essential to acclimatize to the new culture that is more modern and more liberal.
• In terms of your personal style, what are the similarities with the cultures you will deal with?
The fact that I am a woman, hailing from a conservative Islamic background, puts me at a double disadvantage. I am habituated to wearing the hijab (a scarf-like cloth that wraps around my face). Although I would stand out in a crowd by wearing the hijab, my religious beliefs prevent me from dressing otherwise. I am fortunate that Canadians are tolerant just as they liberal. As a result I am able to interact with my peers and integrate within the group without any hassles. Contrary to general perception, the Islam that was cultivated in me treats tolerance as a noble virtue. In this respect, I see a point of convergence between my personal style and the Canadian culture. Further similarities include things such as showing good manners and positive attitude.
• In what ways is your personal style less compatible?
In terms of incompatible aspects, I find the lifestyle of some of my peers too liberal. I for one do not consume alcoholic drinks, and hence do not visit pubs or bars. But this happens to be a major method of socialization among my peers. I also find the idea of casual sex unacceptable. Of course, the social code I was used to in Saudi Arabia is one reason. But I reject such inter-personal contact on the grounds that it makes human relationships frivolous. Moreover, the Canadian academic setting expects students to take up leadership roles for various projects and programs. I am yet to develop my leadership ability, probably because I am not exposed to such opportunities before. I am confident that I can gradually overcome my deficiencies in this regard.
• Where do you stand on the Dr. Milton Bennet Model • Check Hofstede’s dimensions – use those parameters and terms to define yourself and for cultures you may be in contact with or need to learn about.
My scores in the Bennet Model suggest that I am in the middle stage of Acceptance of Difference. In terms of Cultural Competence, I am not so poor as to be in the stage of Denial of Difference. At the same time, I am yet to reach the stage of Integration of Difference. Reaching there will be one of my goals.
As for the Hofstede dimensions, there are marked difference between the median scores for Saudi Arabians and those of Canadians, Americans and the French. In parameters such as Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, Individualism/Collectivism, Masculinity/Femininity, and Long/Short Term Orientation, my scores reflect an identity that is in transition. My scores fall somewhere between the typical scores for Canadians and those that are typical for Saudis. While America is culturally closely aligned to Canada, one could see clear differences between North American scores and France.
• Check other models presented in the book presentations or any other you may find online about Cultural Competence / Cultural Intelligence you can use to see where you stand.
To further test where I stand in terms of Cultural Intelligence, I took an online test. The result reads: “You see yourself as moderate in Cultural Intelligence. A CQ personal development plan could help you to enhance your capabilities in areas where you see yourself as less capable of functioning effectively in culturally diverse situations.” Hence the message is loud and clear for me – I have to improve my overall cultural competence.
If you can answer these questions you are already on the road to showing real cross- cultural adaptability.
Your knowledge of other cultures few people need to know a lot about all cultures. Most people can focus on learning about certain aspects of culture, or about certain cultures. Try to answer the questions below.
• Which cultures do you need to know about most?
Obviously, at the moment I need to learn the most about Canadian culture. But thanks to the pervasiveness of Hollywood, I think I am fairly exposed to it already. Of course, film is only fiction. To this extent I need to seek to sift the real from the make-believe aspects of culture.
• At the moment, which cultures can you safely ignore when building your knowledge?
I would say that cultures outside of Canada hold little interest for me at the moment. This is not a mark of my prejudice toward other cultures, but simply that, they don’t serve my purpose at this point in time. Having said that, the campus atmosphere here is fairly cosmopolitan. International students are drawn from various corners of the world. I look forward to understanding their native cultures through my interactions with them. This would help me develop my Cultural Intelligence.
• What kinds of cultural difference do you need to know most about?
I need to learn quickly about predominant religious and cultural values in Canada. Again, I believe, my prior exposure to American pop culture has somewhat equipped me well in this process. I should also learn about common attitudes and beliefs prevalent here. This is a challenging task as there are many nuances involved. I also aspire to learn about professional leadership styles, for it will stand me well during my career.
This last question asks you to consider which knowledge is most important for you to have in your current and future work. For example, a project manager might want to know as much as possible about communications styles, use of time and leadership styles. A marketing and sales person may want to focus on communication styles and advertising styles.
You know best You are the best judge of what you need to know and how you could adapt in your own work. You need to decide what your own next steps will be.
• Where are your current cultural strengths and weakness?
Strength – Trying to understand people from other cultures by patiently listening to their point of view.
Weakness – Irritability while dealing with people who are close-minded about my culture and religion.
• Do the weaknesses matter?
Yes, they do come in the way of fluent negotiation. So I will work to remedy this flaw.
• Should you take action on improving these areas?
Of course, a well-rounded action plan toward increasingly my cultural sensitivity and cultural intelligence is the way forward.
• Are you exploiting the full potential of your cultural strengths?
More or less. During my time in Canada, I have done everything I can to integrate into the mainstream society.