Cultural Norms

Common Norms and Challenges

This section will go over the most common cultural norms in U.S. workplaces and potential challenges that a new worker might face in adapting to those norms. Pay close attention as you read and be thinking about which norms may be a challenge for you. 

1. Direct vs. Indirect Communication

• Norm: Honesty is often equated with direct communication-employees are expected to give clear feedback, admit mistakes, and address issues openly. 

• Challenge: A new worker might struggle with being as direct as their colleagues expect because they feel it is disrespectful, however being indirect actually can cause more issues in the long-run . 

• Ways to manage the challenge:

  • Practice Clear and Constructive Feedback- Start practicing giving specific feedback with a positive tone, especially in low-stakes situations. This will help you become more confident in being direct.

  • Seek Clarification When Unsure- If you're ever unsure about how to express yourself directly, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. This will help you understand the expectations and improve your communication.

  • Build Confidence through Reflection- Take time to reflect on your communication after each interaction. This will allow you to assess what went well and where you can improve in future conversations.

2. Reporting Work Hours & Productivity: 

• Norm: Integrity in remote work includes accurately tracking and reporting hours worked, especially in jobs with time tracking. 

• Challenge: A new worker might struggle with reporting specific time because they may be used to being judged on output rather than time spent. A worker might feel that as long as they complete the tasks, adjustments to time tracking are not a big deal. An employer might see inaccurate time reporting as dishonest, while the worker sees it as flexible. 

• Ways to manage the challenge:

  • Understand the Importance of Accurate Time Reporting- Recognize that accurate time tracking is an essential part of remote work, not just a reflection of output. Adjusting to this process helps maintain trust and transparency with your employer.

  • Set Clear Boundaries and Track Time Regularly-Develop a habit of tracking your hours regularly throughout the day instead of leaving it until the end of the week. This will ensure accuracy and help you stay on top of your time management.

  • Communicate with Your Employer if You're Unsure- If you're uncertain about how to track your time, it's important to ask for clarification. Open communication about expectations will prevent misunderstandings and build trust.

3. Personal vs. Professional Boundaries:

• Norm: Integrity and honesty in business often means keeping personal matters separate from professional responsibilities. Asking for personal favors from a boss or bending rules for family/friends could be seen as unethical.

• Challenge: A new worker might struggle with boundaries because they are used to relationships and community support being prioritized above all else. If a worker has a connection within the company, they might feel it is acceptable to ask for special consideration like jobs referrals for family or extra flexibility for personal needs. Such requests can be seen as unprofessional. 

• Ways to manage the challenge: 

  • Understand Professional Boundaries-Recognize that in a professional setting, keeping personal matters separate from work responsibilities is key. Requests for special treatment can create conflicts of interest and may be seen as unprofessional.

  • Prioritize Fairness and Consistency-Strive to treat all colleagues and tasks with equal respect, avoiding favoritism based on personal relationships. This ensures you maintain professionalism and credibility.

  • Seek Support Through Appropriate Channels-If you need flexibility or support, approach it through the proper channels, such as HR or your supervisor, and make sure to follow company policies. This keeps your requests professional and aligns with workplace expectations.

4. Handling Mistakes & Accountability

• Norm: If you make a mistake, own up to it immediately and work to fix it. Transparency is valued, even if it means admitting fault. 

• Challenge: In some cultures, admitting mistakes publicly can be seen as a loss of face. A new worker may try to fix things quietly or even avoid mentioning the mistake, which can be viewed as dishonest by the employer. 

• Ways to manage the challenge:

  • Acknowledge Mistakes Early-If you make a mistake, address it as soon as possible. Being transparent shows your commitment to learning and correcting the issue, which builds trust with your employer.

  • Take Responsibility and Offer Solutions-When admitting a mistake, also propose a solution or action plan to fix it. This shows you're proactive and focused on resolving the issue, not just admitting fault.

  • Build Confidence in Transparency-Understand that owning up to mistakes is a sign of integrity and professionalism. The quicker you address the issue, the less likely it is to affect your work and reputation.

5. Bribery & Ethical Expectations:

• Norm: Strict anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies are enforced. Even offering small gifts to clients or managers can be seen as unethical. 

• Challenge: In some countries, gift-giving and informal payments are common in business. A worker might not initially understand that in the U.S., these practices are considered bribery. A worker might think offering a small gift is a polite gesture, while an employer could see it as a violation of company policy.

• Ways to manage the challenge:

  • Understand the Anti-Bribery Policies-Familiarize yourself with your company's anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies. In many workplaces, even small gifts or favors can be seen as unethical, so it's important to avoid offering anything that could be perceived as a bribe.

  • Recognize Cultural Differences in Gift-Giving-Be aware that in some cultures, gift-giving is a common and polite practice. However, in the workplace, it's important to follow the local norms and policies, which may view gifts as inappropriate or unethical.

  • Seek Guidance Before Offering Gifts-If you're unsure about whether giving a gift is acceptable, check with your supervisor or HR for guidance. It's better to clarify first than risk violating company policies.

6. Punctuality & Meeting Deadlines:

• Norm: Integrity includes strict adherence to deadlines and punctuality. Remote workers are expected to log in on time and submit work by the agreed deadline.

• Challenge: In some cultures, flexibility with time is more common. Deadlines might be seen as guidelines rather than fixed commitments. When deadlines are not met, this can be viewed from the employer as irresponsible and unprofessional. 

• Ways to manage the challenge: 

  • Understand the Importance of Deadlines-Recognize that in remote work, meeting deadlines is a sign of professionalism and respect for the employer's time. Deadlines are not flexible and are essential to keeping the workflow on track.

  • Plan and Manage Time Effectively-Develop strong time management skills by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps and setting personal deadlines ahead of the official ones. This will help ensure you meet the agreed-upon deadlines.

  • Communicate Early if Delays Occur-If you foresee any delays, communicate with your supervisor ahead of time to explain the situation. Transparency and proactive communication can show responsibility and help manage expectations.

7. Understanding Authority & Hierarchy: 

• Norm: In many American workplaces, flat organizational structures are emphasized. Employees are encouraged to question and engage in open dialogue with managers or senior leaders. There’s a focus on collaboration, and everyone is expected to contribute equally, regardless of rank.

• Challenge: In many cultures, respect for hierarchy is crucial. A new worker might be hesitant to question their superiors or openly disagree with them, even in a remote setting. This may cause discomfort in environments where employees are expected to speak up or challenge ideas. A new worker may remain silent during discussions or meetings, not understanding that in American culture, silence could be seen as a lack of engagement or contribution.

• Ways to manage the challenge: 

  • Encourage Open Communication-Understand that in many American workplaces, it's encouraged to ask questions and share your opinions, even with senior leaders. Practice speaking up during meetings to show engagement and contribute to discussions.

  • Build Confidence in Expressing Ideas-Start small by contributing to conversations in a way that feels comfortable, such as offering a suggestion or asking for clarification. Over time, this will help you become more confident in sharing your thoughts and challenging ideas when necessary.

  • Recognize the Value of Diverse Perspectives-Realize that your perspective is valuable, and that being quiet can sometimes be interpreted as a lack of interest. Engaging in open dialogue shows that you're willing to collaborate and contribute to the team’s success.

8. Approaches to Feedback & Criticism:

• Norm: Feedback is often direct, frequent, and constructive. It’s common for feedback to be given openly and immediately after an event or task, with the intent to improve performance. Criticism is generally seen as a part of growth and development.

• Challenge:  Indirect feedback is often preferred to preserve social harmony and avoid conflict. Public criticism can be seen as a loss of face, and constructive feedback may be given more subtly, sometimes through private conversations or through third parties. A new worker might feel embarrassed or demoralized if they receive direct feedback or criticism from a manager, while an American employer might think the worker isn’t accepting feedback.

• Ways to manage the challenge: 

  • Understand the Value of Constructive Feedback- Recognize that direct feedback is meant to help you grow and improve in your role. While it might feel uncomfortable, it’s an opportunity to learn and develop professionally.

  • Request Feedback Regularly-Proactively ask for feedback from your manager or colleagues, especially in a direct form. This shows you're open to learning and helps you get used to receiving it in a constructive way.

  • View Criticism as a Positive Opportunity-Instead of feeling demoralized by direct feedback, see it as a chance to enhance your skills. Remember that in American workplaces, feedback is a normal and helpful part of professional development.

9. Time Management & Multitasking:

• Norm: Time management is critical in remote workplaces, with a strong emphasis on efficiency and meeting deadlines. Multitasking is often seen as a sign of productivity, and being able to manage several projects simultaneously is a valued skill.

• Challenge:  In some cultures, a slower pace or focusing on one task at a time can be more common. Time might be viewed more fluidly, and a new worker may be more focused on quality or personal relationships than on adhering strictly to deadlines or multitasking. A worker might take more time to complete tasks, thinking that they should focus on delivering quality, whereas the employer might interpret this as a lack of urgency or inefficiency.

• Ways to manage the challenge: 

  • Understand the Need for Efficiency in Remote Work- Recognize that remote workplaces often prioritize meeting deadlines and managing multiple tasks at once. Developing the ability to juggle tasks and stay efficient is crucial to success in this environment.

  • Balance Quality with Timeliness- While delivering quality work is important, try to find a balance with meeting deadlines. Set time limits for each task to ensure you're being efficient without compromising on the quality of your work.

  • Improve Multitasking Skills- Practice multitasking by breaking down larger projects into smaller tasks and completing them in parallel. This will help you improve efficiency and demonstrate your ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

10. Emotional Intelligence and Personal Connection:

• Norm: While personal relationships are important in the workplace, emotional boundaries are emphasized. Work relationships tend to focus more on professional exchanges rather than emotional bonding. Honesty is valued, but there’s an expectation of maintaining professional boundaries.

• Challenge: Other cultures often emphasize strong personal bonds and a community-oriented approach. Workers might feel a stronger emotional connection with their colleagues and feel comfortable discussing personal matters at work. This personal connection can be a sign of respect and trust in many settings. A manager might view too much personal sharing or emotional involvement as unprofessional, whereas the worker may see it as a way of fostering trust and building a strong work relationship.

• Ways to manage the challenge: 

  • Understand the Importance of Professional Boundaries- Recognize that in many workplaces, it’s important to maintain professional boundaries, even while building relationships. Keep conversations focused on work-related topics to ensure a balance between personal connection and professionalism.

  • Respect Cultural Differences in Communication- While personal relationships are valued, focus on fostering trust through your work rather than emotional sharing. Understand that in some cultures, too much personal sharing can be seen as unprofessional.

  • Find Appropriate Ways to Build Trust- Foster trust by demonstrating reliability, competence, and respect for your colleagues' time and roles. Building professional credibility can help establish strong work relationships without crossing emotional boundaries.

11. Work-Life Balance Expectations:

• Norm: Work-life balance is often stressed in American workplaces, with some companies offering flexible hours, remote work options, or other benefits to maintain a healthy separation between work and personal life. Workers are expected to be self-sufficient in managing this balance.

• Challenge:  In many cultures, family is prioritized, and a worker might need to balance work responsibilities with family duties or social obligations. There may be a greater sense of community involvement, where work and personal life blend more fluidly. A  new remote worker might struggle to set clear boundaries between personal time and work hours, especially in cultures where there’s a stronger integration of work and life. This could lead to burnout or, conversely, not meeting work expectations.

• Ways to manage this challenge: 

  • Set Clear Work Hours and Boundaries- Establish clear work hours to separate your professional time from personal time. Communicate these boundaries to family and colleagues to help manage expectations and avoid burnout.

  • Prioritize Tasks and Time Management- Organize your tasks by priority, ensuring that both work and personal obligations are handled effectively. Use time management tools like calendars or to-do lists to balance your responsibilities.

  • Utilize Flexibility While Maintaining Boundaries- Take advantage of any flexible work options, but make sure to set limits on when and how often you work outside of agreed-upon hours. This will help maintain a healthy work-life balance while meeting work expectations.

12. Understanding Company Values & Loyalty:

• Norm: Companies often have specific, defined values that employees are expected to align with. Employees are expected to demonstrate loyalty to the company and its mission, and this loyalty is often tied to performance and results.

• Challenge: Loyalty in some cultures may be more deeply tied to personal relationships and may include more long-term commitment to family, community, or local obligations. A worker may view company loyalty through the lens of their personal network rather than through the company’s values. The worker might struggle to connect with the company's values or feel conflicted if they perceive that their loyalty to family or community conflicts with company expectations.

• Ways to manage the challenge: 

  • Understand the Company’s Values- Take the time to understand your company's mission and values. Aligning with these values will help you feel more connected to the company and its goals, even if it differs from your personal approach to loyalty.

  • Balance Personal and Professional Loyalty- Acknowledge that it's possible to maintain loyalty to both your family or community and your employer. Focus on how your work contributes to the company’s success, while still respecting your personal commitments.

  • Communicate Any Conflicts- If you ever feel conflicted between company loyalty and personal obligations, communicate openly with your supervisor. Being transparent about your needs can help find a solution that respects both your personal values and the company’s expectations.

Cultural Norm Highlight #2: Authority, Initiative, and Deference

In a remote workplace, understanding how to navigate authority and hierarchy while also showing initiative can be a delicate balance. In many American workplaces, employees are encouraged to take the initiative and contribute their ideas freely, even if they are less experienced or junior in the hierarchy. However, in cultures where respect for authority is paramount, it may feel uncomfortable to take initiative or offer suggestions, especially when interacting with higher-ups. Knowing when to take the initiative and when to show deference is essential for successful collaboration and integration into a team.

The Dilemma:

You are a new remote employee at an American company. In your first few weeks, you’ve noticed several areas where you could improve processes or contribute new ideas. However, you are not sure whether to speak up or wait for guidance from your manager. In your culture, showing respect for authority often means following orders without question, and it can feel inappropriate to push forward with your ideas without being asked. Yet, in this work environment, you’ve observed that taking initiative is highly valued and expected, especially in team discussions.

In your first team meeting, your manager talks about an upcoming project but does not give detailed instructions on how to tackle a specific task. You see an opportunity to improve the process, but you’re unsure whether to suggest your idea or wait for the manager to provide direction.

You face a decision:

1. Option A: You decide to take the initiative and propose your idea, offering suggestions on how to streamline the task. You understand that in this environment, showing initiative is seen as a positive trait and contributes to team success, but you're unsure how your manager will respond to a junior employee offering unsolicited suggestions.

2. Option B: You decide to stay silent and wait for your manager to give direction. You want to show respect for their authority and feel that offering ideas might be seen as stepping out of line. You feel it’s better to observe first before contributing.

3. Option C: You email your manager after the meeting, respectfully offering your suggestion with the understanding that they may or may not be interested. This allows you to show initiative in a more formal, private way, without interrupting the team dynamic during the meeting.

Your Task: You will be asked to report on this in your weekly self-evaluation this week.

• Analyze each option and consider the pros and cons of each.

• What would you choose in this situation? Why?

• How do you think your decision would impact your relationship with your manager and team members?

• How can you balance showing initiative with respecting the authority of your manager?

Key Concepts of Initiative and Deference:

• Showing Initiative: In American work culture, employees are encouraged to take ownership of their work and contribute ideas. Showing initiative is often seen as a sign of engagement, responsibility, and problem-solving ability.

• Respecting Authority and Hierarchy: While initiative is important, it’s also essential to respect authority. In some cultures, stepping outside of your designated role or suggesting changes without being asked might feel uncomfortable or inappropriate.

• Balancing Initiative with Deference: Successfully navigating this balance means understanding when it’s appropriate to take initiative and when it’s important to defer to authority. Finding the right timing and context to contribute ideas is essential for maintaining respect while also adding value.

Reflection Questions: You will be asked to report on these in your self-evaluation this week

• How do you feel about the idea of taking initiative in a new job? Does it feel natural to you, or do you feel hesitant about it?

• What is your understanding of how hierarchy influences decision-making in your workplace? How do you navigate showing respect while also contributing your ideas?

• How can you learn to observe the culture of your workplace to determine the right balance between initiative and deference?

In a remote work environment, finding the balance between showing initiative and respecting authority is key to building positive relationships with managers and colleagues. Being proactive can help you stand out as a valuable team member, but it’s important to do so in a way that aligns with the cultural expectations of the organization.