Question

Give examples if operational conflicts that could occur in a cross- cultural context because of different attitudes towards:1) time, 2) individualism. Give a country or region that would be different from the US for each of the two variables.

Answer 1

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

Give examples of operational conflicts that could occur in a cross-cultural context because of different attitudes towards:1) time, 2) individualism.

Well, let's start with time. In the United States, time is of the utmost importance. There we have the old saying: "Time is money."

In the workplace, everything is based on the smart and efficient use of time. No time must be wasted in the workplace.

Individual effort is important in the American culture, but the team effort, the concept of being a good team player is very important under the following premise: teams can accomplish more than individuals.

What most Americans desire is individual recognition through team effort.

That is why team sports are so good in the United States because they exemplify the way teams function and what they can accomplish. For instance, college and pro football, basketball, and baseball.

The region that has a different approach, is Latin America. This does not mean that is better than the other, just that there are major differences between the two.

The management of time is very different in Latin American countries. It is not as important as the US. People in Latin America approach the concept of time in a more relaxed way. In Latin America, there is a more relaxed approach to time. Nothing is urgent, Things take time. Things are made at a different pace compared to the US.

And regarding individualism, Latin American people tend to prefer to be more individualistic to do things trying to get some recognition, The team concept is not as developed as in the US.