The first part of this overview looks specifically at two cultural orientations as proposed by Edward Hall, namely Low and High Context cultures. Hall proposes that in the case of Low Context Cultures, cultural behaviour and beliefs may need to be spelled out explicitly so that those coming into the cultural environment know how to behave. In the case of High Context Cultures on the other hand, many aspects of cultural behaviour are not made explicit because most members know what to do and what to think from years of interaction with each other.  Cultures that are typically classified as high context are those of Japan and some other Asian cultures, Arab countries, Greece Spain and Italy, whilst Low context cultures are usually found in North American, Scandinavian and German speaking countries (Hall & Hall, 1990). The result of these differences is that when interviewing, particular cues may misdirect if the interviewer and the interviewee find themselves in opposite orientations, as much of the communication cues in high context cultures tend to be non –verbal.

The second part of this overview highlights those aspects related to the cultural orientation of power distance as purported by Geert Hofstede. Power distance in principle refers to the way the hierarchical difference between individuals affects their interaction. In high power distance cultures like those of many Asian countries, for instance, this translates into a high respect for one’s superior which is assumed from the start. Subordinates are less likely to assert themselves to their manager, or, in this case, the interviewer, as they respect the position that they hold in that scenario.  In low power distance cultures, however, subordinates will not necessarily always show respect to their superior: respect is something which is earned over time.  Subordinates are therefore more likely to assert themselves. (Hofstede, 2007)  Having said this, it is interesting to note that the only area where a greater level of assertiveness will emerge within the high power distance scenario is when dealing with salary negotiations. In Asian cultures for example, people will know what the market value for their new roles will be and will often surprise interviewers by being quite assertive about getting the best deal for themselves. They will then expect an annual increase, will negotiate hard for it and in a burgeoning market, will switch employers for as little as 5%. These attitudes can be brought to Australia with them and interviewers may be surprised that their mild mannered candidates will negotiate hard.

The tables below list some of the possible ways the previously mentioned different behavioural patterns can be interpreted.

Table 1: Communicating Cross Culturally: High and Low Context cultures during the interview process:

Table 2: Communicating Cross Culturally: High and Low Power Distance cultures during  the interview process

In conclusion, whilst the previous tables give a succinct description of possible scenarios, it should be stated that of course, the situation one faces on an individual basis may vary quite significantly, particularly with highly educated people under the age of 30. The main point to take away from this is to understand that these are possible behavioural patterns that one can encounter which have quite different interpretations and values which support it cross-culturally, thereby facilitating a more culturally responsive approach to the selection process.

Resources:

Bennett, M. E., and Stewart, E.C., 1991, Cultural Patterns: A Cross Cultural

Perspective, Intercultural Press, Yarmouth, ME.

Elashmawi, Farid 2001, Competing Globally: Mastering Multicultural Management and Negotiations,

Butterworth and Heinemann, Boston.

Hofstede, Geert, 2007, Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind, Mc Graw-Hill, New York.

McLaren, Margaret C 1998, Interpreting Cultural Differences: The Challenge of

Intercultural Communication, Peter Francis Publishers, Norfolk, UK.

Thomas C David and Inkson Kerr, 2003, Cultural Intelligence, Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc San

Francisco.

Trompenaars, Fons, 1997, Riding the Waves of Culture, Nicholas Brealy Publishing.

Like all newcomers to a foreign country, the differences in food, people and the language barrier are aspects of the culture that led to an exciting and terrifying experience of culture shock for my first weeks, these are obvious factors that I was prepared to deal with. However the first trait that I will be addressing in regards to the Spanish attitude towards time is something that I never thought would really faze me, but I have since discovered can essentially dictate the economic and social movements of the entire country of Spain, and that is the Siesta.

Walking through the streets of Malaga between 1pm and 5pm it could almost be assumed that there are no retail shops in the city. Large supermarkets, department stores and restaurants are often closed for two or three hours in the afternoon, where the employees will go home for lunch and if they choose to, have a sleep before re-opening shops in the afternoon from 4pm onwards. People closing their businesses to have some food and a snooze are unheard of in Australia, yet here in Spain it is a culturally defining aspect of everyone’s lives. It isn’t as though the Spanish value their customers less or don’t care about their occupation; it’s just a unique perspective on an everyday ritual that an Australian would not only find unusual but also perhaps a little bit rude.

As previously mentioned, there is a vast difference in these two cultures because the Australian attitude (along with many other cultures) towards time is that everything must be ready instantly. 24 hour service is expected, banks stay open until the evening and waiting in line is a thing of the past. If you live in Malaga you know to do all your errands in the morning or after 6pm, not much will be achieved during the lunch break. Banks close by 2.30pm, Burger King isn’t open 24 hours and nobody seems to mind – it’s just the way things are done in Spain.

In a recent article published in The Guardian newspaper by Ian Sample (http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/feb/21/naps-improve-learning-ability), scientists have proven that sleeping after lunch increases the brains capacity to learn and retain memory. Students who rested in the afternoons generally achieve higher test scores then those who did not sleep, as well as experience greater psychological benefits such as the feeling of being more alert, happier and less stressed. Furthermore, research by Trichopoulos et al (1987) suggested that there are certain links between a decreased chance of being diagnosed with coronary heart disease and sleeping between 30 minutes and two hours during the day. The siesta is a cultural trait in Spain (also in many other countries, especially in hot and tropical climates) that is not only very different to Australia, but could be potentially saving lives too.

Another interesting phenomenon related to the Spanish people’s attitude toward time is something that I have come to dub “The Manana Complex” (Manana meaning ‘tomorrow’ in the Spanish language). “Why do something now when it can be done tomorrow?” Or “What’s the rush? Things will be completed eventually” seems to be the philosophy and way of life for many Spanish people. I first encountered this whilst trying to look for apartments to live in during my first week, looking through the internet and notice boards and calling up various potential flatmates and landlords. Navigating the way through a conversation using my limited Spanish I set up meetings to view apartments and meet flatmates, around two or three different places each day. I had meetings in different areas of Malaga, during different times of the day in different sized apartments, but the one thing that remained the same was that every landlord turned up late. Intent on making a good impression of myself I was always punctual to the places and arriving on time, because in Australia turning up 45 minutes late to a meeting would be considered a little rude. That isn’t the case in Spain, and every single land lord turned up 20 to 90 minutes late to show me their apartments for sale. Taking an Australian perspective that turning up late is rude would not be good advice, as here turning up early on even right on time is a Spanish custom that they would consider to be a little odd, or offensive.
When I moved into my apartment the landlord told me she would swing by tomorrow afternoon to pick up my bond – she knocked on the door at 9.30pm. When we needed to get the internet fixed we were told the repairman would come between midday and 2.30pm, he showed up at 5pm, two days late. “The Manana Complex” is a true example of the Spanish’s attitude towards time, and a trait that reflects on almost all aspects of the culture of Spain and nearly every business and individual in the country.
Their attitude towards time, and unique differences between countries is also highlighted when comparing how much the Australians and Spanish people work.

The country of Australia, its people and stereotyped culture is often viewed to be of a laid back lifestyle. The Happy-Go-Lucky Aussie with a relaxed attitude towards life is definitely a cultural aspect that many people (Australian and otherwise) still associate with our country. Before coming to Spain my knowledge of Australian society and my preconceptions of Spanish society meant I assumed the two cultures would be very similar in their respects to working and leisure time. However research online with the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Instituto Nacional de Estadistica (the Spanish equivalent of the ABS) into total working hours of each country has proven how diverse these two cultures are in respect to how much they work. A standard week for an Australian in a full time job is 41.9 hours over five days (Monday to Friday, not working the weekends), and 16.5 hours each week for part time work. The Spanish not only work less in total hours per week; Full time employees get more paid vacation time, generally take longer breaks, have less overtime hours and don’t take as much work home with them to do after hours as Australians. Perhaps “No worries mate” should be a phrase associated with Spain, because as it turns out, Australian’s aren’t as laid back as I originally thought.
This is of course a generalisation of the two workforces, it should also be noted that due to the global economic downturn many larger companies in Spain are reducing or finishing siesta time and making employees work through their breaks.

The opportunity to enjoy our wonderful Aussie summers and not travel to the colder parts of the world are very tempting this time of year. Additionally there are other aspects of travel we consider these days, be it climate change or financial constraints for example. We thought the option of seeing the world and staying in our lounge rooms might be worth considering.

Movies are very powerful. I am sure most of us have come home from a movie, with either the desire to explore that country further or resolve never to go there. The approach of movie makers is quite different in each country, including Australia. We always recommend recent and not so recent Australian movies to our relocatees to assist them to better understand life in Australia as they make the transition.

Some reasons to view movies from other cultures include:

• Raising awareness of cultural influences and their impact
• Encourages openness and respect for people from other places
• Increase our own flexibility with different ways of thinking and become comfortable with ambiguity.
• Create a global mindset, while challenging our own mindset and assumptions
• Allows us to observe other behaviours, value systems different to our own
• Pure enjoyment and great conversation starters with friends and family

Here are a twenty to get you started. This list is by no means exhaustive and each of us will make up our own minds as to how much they enjoy them. Some are prize winners, others are chosen by our staff that we have loved. I have chosen not to include Australian, American or British movies even though the same reasons to view them are applicable.

Monsoon Wedding – India

Slumdog Millionaire – India

Son of a Lion – Pakistan (Australian Director)

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon – China

The Joy Luck Club – China/USA

As it is in Heaven – Sweden

Vicky Christina Barcelona – Spain

The Lemon Tree –Israeli, set on the border between Israel and the West Bank

Cinema Paradiso – Italy

Chocolate – Italy

Twins – Holland

The Gods must be crazy I and II – Africa

Tsotsi – South Africa

My Father’s Castle / My Mother’s glory – France

Amelie – France

The Lives of Others – Germany

Departures – Japan

Kolya – Czech Republic

Blessed By Fire – Argentina

Linha de Passe – Brazil

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