Differences in cultural value styles between Russian and American business partners

1. Differences in cultural value styles between Russian and American business partners National and global issue

2. Relevance of the topic Govorishporusski? • Language is not the only, or even main, obstacle to communication in joint Russian-Western ventures • Differences in cultural values contribute greatly to misunderstanding and communication/collaboration problems in the workplace • In addition to finding effective ways to collaborate with Russian partners, learning to adjust to domestic and global workforce heterogeneity in general is an invaluable skill for employees and business leaders alike (Ting-Toomy & Chung, 2012).

3. Relevance of the topic Govorishporusski? • Cultural misunderstandings and collaboration problems stemming from them can affect businesses and non-profit organizations on regional, national and global scales, e.g.: • Russian professionals work for many MN and Midwestern companies • US energy policy involves collaboration (and competition) with Russian partners in the Arctic • Russia plays an important role in a wide range of international organizations, including the UN, UNICEF, the IAEA, etc. and many Russians work alongside Westerners to solve common international issues

4. Introduction • Stereotypes in the media & movies: • Violence, corruption, nepotism, laziness, decadence, opulence :) • Personal experience with both cultures This presentation will: • Discuss potential problems due to differences in communication styles • Propose strategies for effective solutions Photo credit: http://illustrationage.com/2012/03/02/typographerillustrator-sarah-a-king-for-bloomberg-business-week/

5. Problem described • A stark difference exists between Russian and American/Western cultural values reflecting basic worldview: • Emotionality • Judgmental Attitudes • Fatalism • Irrationality • These characteristics often create conflict situations for Russians and Americans in the workplace context.

6. Problem continued • Research along with personal experiences suggest that in “organizational settings expectation gaps between Westerners and Russians (e.g. managers, entrepreneurs, professionals, staff etc.) form one of the main obstacles to conducting business, creating successful partnerships and organizing efficient work teams” (Bergelson, 2012).

7. Just a few examples of the problem: Western Perceptions Russian Perceptions Westerns have no appreciation of recent societal changes. The West has failed to manage effective relationships with Russian partners. Westerners have no interest in the “Russian mentality”. • Russians don’t know how to work hard. • Change is impossible in Russia • Russians lack experience and know-how.

8. Solution to the problem • Knowledge is the answer! • Cultural values, beliefs, and communication styles are expressed in the workplace. • Awareness of how your own and your Russian (or any other inter-cultural) partner’s culture shapes and influences these can produce mutual understanding. • Clear vision of the common goal such as business project/endeavor is key. • Consequently: • Learn more about a business partner’s culture • Become aware of your own culture • Keep these in mind and be intentional about how you communicate with your Russian partners

9. Solution in terms of communication • Learn culture-specific information • Develop cultural sensitivity and adopt a cross-cultural business communication skill set. • Consult a range of existing resources: • Many books, journal articles, and websites For further reading, check out these websites: • Central Intelligence Agency. (2012). Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rs.html • General Facts about Russia. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.stranslation.com/Russian_Translation/general_facts_about_russia.htm

10. Solution in terms of communication • Applying understanding of Hofstead’s value dimensions to a specific culture (Floyd, 2011): Russian culture is known to be • Collectivistic & high context – much in relationships goes unsaid but is assumed to be true, e.g. loyalty, fairness, etc. • Uncertainty avoidant – change is very uncomfortable and clear ways of doing and structuring things are preferred • Masculine – value ambition and achievement gender roles for men, but traditional nurturing roles for women • Large power distance – respecting power is more important than equality, i.e. you must have relationships with powerful people in order to efficiently accomplish things

11. Conclusion • Discussed differences in Russian and American cultural value styles in a workplace. • This research shows important role that culture plays when representatives of different nations interact. • Solution • Gain additional knowledge in term of culture-general and culture-specific information • Apply this knowledge by being intentional when communicating with international partners

12. Finally • Do you speak English? Do you speak Russian? are not the main questions here, but everything else is.

13. References • Bergelson, M. (2012). Russian Cultural Values and Workplace Communication patterns. In L.A. Samovar, Porter, R. E. & McDaniel, E.R. (Eds). Intercultural Communication: A Reader. Boston: Wadsworth. • Floyd, K. (2012). Interpersonal Communication. New York: MacGraw Hill. • Ting-Toomey, S., & Chung, L. (2012). Understanding Intercultural Communication. New York: Oxford University Press.