Cultural Reports for Different European Countries
People who work in foreign countries are able to do very well professionally. However, one thing that alters their work process is cultural shock. Not many people believe, or even understand culture shock, but once it is experienced, workers often feel the affects. In just about every country, a foreigner will feel culture shocks but certain some people are able to better assimilate in some countries better than others. For example, many Americans prefer to work in England as there is not as much of a cultural shock compared to living in Bulgaria. This is mainly attributed to the language. However, from the food and dress code to body language and national customs, these cultural differences can greatly affect one’s professional life.
As an employee getting ready to make the move to Europe, you should do your research in terms of cultural shock. There are various cultural reports for the different European countries. When you read these reports, you can evaluate in which country you may be able to better assimilate to. In some countries, it may be more difficult to assimilate, but keep in mind that assimilation is always possible. Assimilation just may take more time in one country than in another country. Either way, before moving to a European country, you should be aware of the cultural differences and the customs that you may experience so that you are not caught off guard and can prepare to assimilate yourself before you leave.
One of the first questions you need to ask yourself in terms of assimilation is will you be able to assimilate to a foreign language? If you are multilingual, you may not have a problem at all whatsoever assimilating in terms of linguistic differences. However, there are cultural differences such as measurements, the date and time, holidays, social customs, school and universities, government, patriotism, religion and political correctness. Only you can make the decision as to which country may be easier to assimilate to rather than others. Choosing to move abroad is a personal decision where you will need to handle the cultural shock. There is preparation that you can do before moving abroad by becoming familiar with the different customs in your new homeland.
In Europe in general, you will find that Europeans are more family orientated than financially. They also treasure their free time. For this reason, their personal success is not as important as their free time. Americans, generally value their career and financial success over free time. Likewise, Europeans may look poorly upon overachievers and feel sorry for those who commit their lives to only work. Europeans enjoy socializing which means sitting at cafes after work for hours.
Even your personal space will change while working with Europeans. Eastern Europeans tend to stand much closer to each other, permitting very little personal space. Western Europeans, such as the English, tend to stay farther away. Nevertheless, Europeans tend to have less personal space than Americans. This is extremely important to know is business, so that you do not offend anyone and so that you do not feel uncomfortable.
Time in the workplace also varies in Europe. In major cities and northern European countries like Scandinavia, England and Germany above all others, being punctual is crucial to your work career. Being tardy is seen as a major sign of disrespect. However, in Southern European countries such as Southern France and Spain, punctuality is much less common. Most meetings (personal and professional) are about 20 minutes delayed. Punctuality is not viewed as highly nor is it a sign of disrespect.
Seventy five percent of people who move to European countries, do thorough research about the country, including the investigation of cultural differences. Cultural reports are available through multiple sources. You can check government websites, travel websites and other internet sources to find specific cultural difference according to the country that you are thinking of moving to.
Some websites to check out include http://www.ioresearch.net/reports/cross-cultural-reports, http://www.synact.nl/tekst/case1/sld001.htm and www.psr.keele.ac.uk/official.htm which offer websites for various governments where you can find cultural reports.