Reviewing: The Culture Map by Erin Meyer
My Impression: This book is a rare gem, offering top-tier research insights alongside highly relevant and engaging stories. Initially, I recommended it specifically for those in cross-cultural situations, like working abroad or collaborating with international partners. However, I now wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. It will not only expand your understanding of your own cultural biases but also shed light on the cultural nuances of others. Ultimately, the book fosters empathy and equips you with specific tactics for navigating communication across cultures.
Key messages: The book explores 8-9 spectrums of cultural differences, each illustrated with insightful stories and practical applications. Here are a few key takeaways that resonated with me:
In cultures like those of Nigeria, Brazil, Japan, Korea, China, India, Italy, Mexico, and Russia, trust is often established through social interactions like shared meals and drinks (relationship-based trust). Conversely, cultures like the US, UK, Netherlands, Denmark, and Canada prioritize task completion as a foundation for trust ("You consistently deliver good work, so I trust you" - task-based trust). While social gatherings are still valued in these cultures, work and business activities take center stage when building trust. The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing these differences and adapting your approach accordingly. In today's globalized world, in my opinion, many companies operate with a task-based trust mindset. However, fostering deeper collaboration can be achieved by making an effort to connect with people beyond their professional roles.
Cultures like Germany, France, Russia, Spain, and Israel view healthy conflict as a catalyst for fresh ideas and innovation ("A good debate brings more ideas and information than we could ever discover without disagreement"). In contrast, cultures like India, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, and Indonesia prioritize saving face and maintaining harmony in relationships. Strong disagreement can be perceived as disapproval, especially in hierarchical structures where openly disagreeing with a supervisor, especially in public, can be unthinkable. Understanding these cultural norms is crucial for navigating relationships effectively. In the US, for instance, constructive conflict is seen as a driver of growth and innovation. Recognizing that some cultures may find confrontation uncomfortable allows for more empathetic communication.
Cultures like Italy, Spain, Germany, and France tend to prioritize developing a theoretical foundation before presenting an opinion. Messages and reports often begin with building a logical argument before reaching a conclusion. In contrast, cultures like the US, UK, Australia, and Canada favor starting with an executive summary or bullet points followed by supporting details ("In the next five minutes, let's get to the conclusions before you lose the audience"). These subtle differences can contribute to misunderstandings and frustration.
Implications: The knowledge gained from this book encourages me to slow down during challenging conversations. It helps me avoid sending knee-jerk emails that I might later regret. More importantly, it fosters curiosity about others. Isn't it fascinating to consider that good communication can be interpreted differently across cultures? Some value literal communication, repetition, and written confirmation, while others prioritize nuance and layered communication. As you delve deeper, you'll discover even more intriguing contradictions – the US, known for low-context communication, often avoids direct negative feedback. Japan, while hierarchical in boss-subordinate relationships, leans towards consensual decision-making. This book encourages embracing complexity, a value I hold dear.
Resources:
The Culture Map website: With a subscription, you can access more detailed data. Also, check out video clips under Resources
Working across cultures - Bridging the gap between ‘Slave’ and ‘Sloth’: An article I wrote comparing organizational cultures of US and Korea based on the survey I took
What’s worse - never getting feedback or getting too much?: An article I wrote about feedback culture between the US and Korea.