National Culture's Impact on Employee Behavior: A Deeper Look

Suggesting research suggests that national culture has a greater effect on employees than the culture of their organization. This impact is evident when considering the longevity of cultural values that individuals carry into their work lives. Because people have lives and social groups outside of work, corporate culture can often seem stilted, and policies might be viewed as unintuitive and annoying.

Why National Culture Dominates

Beyond work hours, people engage in various cultural practices and social systems that have been ingrained in them for a longer duration. For instance, corporate culture, often seen as a compartmentalized aspect of life, is more rigid and formal compared to the flexible norms and social expectations people encounter daily. This is exemplified in the case of Walmart’s failed attempt to establish its presence in Germany.

Walmart's Experiencing Corporate Culture Adaptation Challenges

When Walmart opened its first German store, it implemented an American-style corporate culture that did not resonate with local expectations. In America, it is common practice to have greeters who warmly welcome customers, a custom predominantly found in big-box retailers like Walmart. However, in Germany, the corporate culture is different. Cashiers were expected to maintain fake plastic smiles, and self-checkout counters had standard operating procedures, further emphasizing automation. This style of interaction was at odds with the more organic and socially customary behavior Germans are accustomed to.

In the United States, customers are often greeted with personal warmth and attention, even from unskilled labor. Where it is not uncommon for strangers to offer unsolicited compliments, leading to a more relaxed and friendly environment. However, these interactions in the US are often seen as a badge of honor or an indicator of higher status, which is a stark contrast to the more formal and rigid service expectations in Germany. This clash of cultural norms led to customer dissatisfaction and ultimately, the failure of Walmart in the German market.

Understanding the Long-term Impact of National Culture

It is important to recognize that employees carry with them a lifetime of cultural values and social norms. This background greatly influences their behavior and expectations when they enter the workplace. While an organization can provide training and adapt policies, the deep-rooted cultural values continue to shape how employees interact with their colleagues and customers. Training, while valuable, does not fully capture the complexity of cultural nuances that weave throughout an individual's life.

For organizations looking to successfully adapt and thrive in diverse markets, understanding the cultural landscape is crucial. It requires a commitment to not just implementing cultural training but also fostering an environment that embraces and respects local cultural practices. By doing so, companies can better connect with their employees and customers, leading to greater satisfaction and a more harmonious work environment.

Conclusion

The impact of national culture on employee behavior cannot be overstated. While corporate culture plays an important role, it often has to adapt to the broader cultural context in which employees operate. By recognizing and respecting national cultural values, organizations can create a more inclusive and effective workplace that resonates with its employees and customers.

Further Reading

For a deeper dive into the intersection of national and organizational cultures, explore:

Cultural Dimensions Theory Cross-cultural Communication in the Workplace Case Studies in Cross-cultural Management

Understanding these concepts can help you navigate the complexities of cultural differences and create a more cohesive and successful workplace culture.