Job Discussion Forums

[dixie]

My new job provided a cultural lesson for its new hires this past Thursday, and it was quite interesting. The things that were discussed, and that helped me to better understand Mexico (even after two years here) were -

1. Mexico is a collectivist cultural, and thus the interest of the individual are subordinate to those of the group. Conflict is seen as negative, and destructive to the group. Thus one's id is based on their social network. Harmony, rather than speaking one's mind is a key value. In contrast, the US culture (and to a lesser extend CND, Britian, etc) are individualistic countries, there "I" is stronger than "We". People are independent, and are praised for being so.

2. Mexicans communicate in an Indirect (high context) manner, meaning words, and non-verbal clues are important to understanding what is being communicated from person to person. People in this type of culture tend to infer, imply, or suggest rather than say things directly. Again, in contrast, the US culture is direct (low context), and you say what you mean, and rely for the most part on the words, rather than non-verbal expressions to communicate your message.

3. Mexican live in a Polychronic culture, meaning that time is limitless, and people are never too busy. Time is the tool, and servant of the people, and is suited to their needs. Schedules, and datelines are often changed, and there is a greater emphasis on doing numerous tasks at once, with emphasis on relationship building, rather than deadline meeting. US culture is Monochronic, and time is commodity, and there is only a limited amount, thus it must be used carefully, and not "wasted". Emphasis is placed on concentrating on one task at a time, and with a commitment to schedules.

The example used for being a collective country (no.1) was the raising of children. In the US 18 is seen as the age when kids leave home, whereas here it is usually whenever the child marries, even if that means he/she will be 35 and still living with mom, and dad. We see the Mexican way as a child taking advantage of a parent, or that there is something wrong with the kid. It is also how we have the "Mama's Boy" idea. For Mexicans though, they see it as looking after their child, who will in turn look after them when they are older, and needing help - it is a group effort, forever, and ever, to help each other survive. Mexicans on the other hand see it as cruel to have our children leave home so young, even though most US kids are ready to display their independence, and "make it" without mom, and dad.

For number 2, the example was that of inviting a Mexican to your house for a dinner, or party, and being told "yes", only to have them not show up. Because conflict is a strong negative, the "yes" is given becasue it is seen as being more polite than saying "sorry, but I have other commitments". They don't want the person inviting them to think that they are worth less than other people in their life. Thus why it is important to be able to read, and understand the non-verbal clues.

And for number three, I think we all have many examples that spring to mind!! The one given in the course was the idea of the mother-in-law calling right when a person is living for work to say that she has a water leak, and needs a plumber. Even though the relative is going to be late, their mother-in-law becomes first priority, and they get to work when they do. Relationships are always above other priorities. In the US however, you buy your agenda, that has a two page spread for each day, which is then divided up into 15 minute blocks so that you can precisely schedule every moment, and activity.

Whew...hope thats not too long, and hopefully it might help others to more clearly see why they are getting frustrated. I know it helped me, and I am trying to be more aware of my frustrations, and recognize why they exist, and that this IS who Mexico is, and so I need to adjust, or forever swing between honeymoon period, and critical period, which I really do not want to do!!

[MO39]

[dixie]

[Milenka]

[MO39]

dixie, I really appreciate your sharing what you learned at the workshop at your new school. If I seem to be a bit cantankerous in my reaction to what was said, it's not because I haven't heard it before, in cultural anthropology classes, for example, and, of course, I've experienced it from the times I've spent living in Mexico. I think that sometimes rude behavior (and, yes, I have Mexican friends who would agree that not showing up for a dinner you've been invited to is rude) should not be explained away by using cultural differences as an excuse.

When you wrote that all the Mexicans in the audience (why were they in the audience, by the way, if the purpose of the talk was to explain Mexican culture to non-Mexicans?) were in agreement with what was said, does that mean that they thought that things were fine that way, or were they able to assess their culture from an outsider's point of view? I wonder how many of them have spent any time not living immersed in their own culture. That would certainly make a difference in their attitudes. And that business that failing to adapt to a new culture is normal because cultures were originally not supposed to mix - that's going back a long way in human history, to a time when few people traveled much beyond their village and didn't have much contact with people who didn't share their language and culture. I don't know how valid it is in today's world...

Anyway, I'm curious to read what others forum participants have to say about all this.

[MO39]

[dixie]

[ontoit]

[MO39]

[ontoit]

[Milenka]

[MO39]

[ontoit]

[sweeney66]

Dixie, that's great information! Sounds kind of familiar, too, though I don't know why. To me, it's just fascinating to ponder.
I also think it's great that your school presented the info in a bi-cultural setting. So your colleagues know a bit more about where you're coming from, too.
I'm sure that I've unknowingly offended some of my friends with my directness. "No, sorry, I can't. I have other plans." Or students! "Well, what mark did you expect, when you've missed half the classes?"
Ha!
Well, they put up with me.

[MO39]