Tue, 22 May 2012
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Senior intercultural trainer Petra Schlerf of Farnham Castle points out some of the quirks in British culture and language used in the workplace that can be easily misunderstood.For anyone relocating to a new country, the different cultural values which are experienced always cause a few surprises. First time movers may not realise how important their own cultural values are and how they have shaped their views and perceptions about the world over time, nor how these values can potentially clash or cause misunderstandings with new friends and colleagues.
For seasoned global travellers, each new culture will still bring new experiences and challenges. The only difference that experience of many new cultures will bring is speed of acceptance.
For those moving to Britain, communication style often presents initial challenges. The British communication style is a curious mixture of direct communication when it comes to data, numbers and policy for example, yet on the other hand, any feedback, delegation to colleagues and general interaction is littered with indirect ‘suggestions’ and subtleties which often confuse.
Meeting British people can also reveal different cultural values. British people are open and friendly, and visitors are often surprised by their seemingly unlimited capacity to make small talk about the weather! However, they would not usually invite new friends to their home. When I first came to Britain – although we seemed to get along very well – it was eight years before our neighbours would accept an invitation to a BBQ at our house! Visitors to the UK may find this ‘friendship up to a point’ unusual. However, in time they will learn that in Britain friendship comes through sharing activities like going to the pub, playing golf or going to the gym.
‘Going to the pub’ is in fact, a big part of British culture. Often people who are new to the UK may find the – often excessive – British drinking culture surprising. They may well be horrified to hear tales of the drunken behaviour of senior staff members at last year’s office Christmas party for example!
However, UK visitors will not feel pressurised to participate. The British people simply use ‘going to the pub’ as an activity to build relationships and no one will be offended if people from other cultures prefer to abstain.
Photo credit: Drinking pints by the Thames by Phillie Casablanca (Flickr.com)
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