TABLE OF
CONTENTS
1. ABSTRACT
2. WHY I TOOK THE COURSE
3. LEARNING OF CONCEPTS
4. GROUP DYNAMICS
5. INFORMAL INTERACTIONS
6. ETHNIC DAY
7. TRIP TO DAKSHINCHITRA
8. FEEDBACK
9. CONCLUSIONS
ABSTRACT
Before I start writing the blog I want to just say what a truly
amazing experience it has been. But, since I have to be "honest" I
was expecting it to be amazing :P So let's just say it lived up to the
expectations. More than just writing a blog what I hope to achieve is to get an
idea myself of what I have truly learnt through various interactions,
presentations and exercises. More like an introspection and reflection rather
than writing about concepts that we learnt in the classroom.
All in all, one thing that stood out for me was how the class
became more of memory creating and fun along with learning. It is an extremely
difficult feat to achieve. Ethnic day, trip to Dakshin-chitra and the final
presentations were the highlights of the course. So here it goes- my learning
blog.
WHY I TOOK THIS COURSE?
There are primarily four reasons why I took this course-
1. Amazing feedback from seniors
2. Last quarter Blues
3. Fun interactions with exchange students
4. Most importantly, I hope to work/study abroad at some point of
time so it seemed like I should know a few things about cultures around the
world.
Point number 2 was a complete disaster, the course had more work
than any of the other courses I have taken this quarter. Phew! But, on the
positive side the work dint feel workish so that was nice.
CONCEPTS
I feel the need to talk about some of the concepts that were
taught in class. Only the ones I can remember off-hand :P
Power Distance: The concept talks about to what degree
power is distributed in the organisation. What hierarchal structure is
followed, openness and interactions between employees can tell you about the
power distance. The case study which we did for Bahrain showed us that the
power distance is quite high in that region. Generally, it is said that
start-ups have a lower level of power distance.
Uncertainty Avoidance: The concept talks about the extent to
which people stick to rules and avoid uncertainty. I have felt through personal
experience in the course that this is extremely prevalent in Germans. They like
to be in control of situations and avoid uncertainty but this could be a
stereotype or bias too.
Humane Orientation: It is the extent to which people reward
fairness and generosity. I recently read a study which talked about how India
is Humane as there are strong laws in place for accidents in the workplace and
also many organisation are there working for the upliftment of humanity. Some
people might not feel the same looking at the proportion of people say living
below the poverty line.
Institutional Collectivism: Extent to which society encourages
collective actions The members are
interdependent with the organisation and not independent when institutional
collectivism is high.
In-group Collectivism: Extent to which individuals express
loyalty and pride in their organisations.
Univarsalism-particularism: Role of exceptions in rule
enforcement vs standard. rules. For example the USA society is very rule
oriented whereas Indian is not. If we look at a simple example of Jay-walking
this is easily demostrated.
Specific Diffuse: Role of exceptions in rule enforcement
vs std. rules. About, how much people get involved in other peoples space.
Generally, Asian cultures are diffuse oriented.
Achievement-Ascription: Earned vs Inherited. I think concept
was wonderfully covered by the team which presented on Saudi Arabia. In Saudi
Arabia there is a concept of inheriting wealth and business rather than it
being based on merits. Abhimanyu's and Prashant's conversation in the role-play
was hilarious but also drove the point across. Kudos!
Some of the concepts were very interested while others were just
common sense. Lets move on...
GROUP DYNAMICS
The group which I was in was team 6 consisting of Tom, Laura,
Aditya, Tanmay, Sai Prashanti, Isheeta and myself. I am going to be frank and
say that it was difficult. Working in a cross culture group is not easy
specially when such variety of people get together. One German, one Austrian,
one Maharashtrian, two Bengalis, one south Indian and me, North Indian. What a
mess! Initially it was extremely tough but gradually we came to an
understanding and worked in synergy. There were a lot of group meetings, really
a lot. Here are some of the noticeable differences between Europeans and
Indians-
1. meetings: Wow! For each of the presentations we
met up atleast 4 times. Generally, we meet twice. Before the start to discuss
the flow, things need that need be done and which route to take and once
towards the end to discuss whats done, how to improve, create synergy and flow.
Europeans thrive on discussions, Indian
are more to the point and decisive.
2. Structured: Europeans are more structured and
time-line oriented. Indians are more relationship oriented. If a work can be
done in an hour Indians try and do it in half an hour whereas Europeans take 2
hours.
3. Attitude: An
important thing i feel I noticed in the Europeans are that they are scared.
Scared of bending the rules a bit. Bending not even breaking. For example they
would follow the course structure word by word. It's probably a good thing but
it leaves no room for innovation and creation. Exhausting!
Overall, it was an interesting experience. Not as fun as I might
have thought initially but we had our moments in the group. For example: the
concept of taking fake vodka shots after every topic was nice and we had some
fun practising the role-play too. All of us compromised a bit and synergy was
created towards the end! These prejudices or observations (not sure which one
it is) were only when it came to work but in my informal interactions it was
quite different. I will write about it in my next segment.
INFORMAL INTERACTIONS
Well, I never thought I would connect with a foreigner so well,
but this quarter has gifted me a now very close friend- Corrina. We became
friends because of a passion we share- Sports. Since I met her in January we
have played a variety of sports and shared a lot of professional and personal
stuff. Its been a very interesting friendship which has made me realise that
essentially all humans share the same emotions and insecurities. Even though
she is extremely dedicated to her work and very "European" about it,
our friendship is normal like I would be with any other Indian. This made me
realise that our ways and methods might be different but our goal is the same. J
I also happen to play basketball with a girl whose from
Switzerland but not from our class. Sweet girl. One thing I felt after
interacting with all these people from Germany, France, Austria etc was that
they are really funny, fun-loving and intelligent. We all went out one night after
the exams and what a blast it was. There was some dancing and lots of food
involved.
What a brilliant concept! Everyone coming up from various
countries and states and talking about their food and culture. Extremely
interesting and informative. Food was brilliant too. Phillip's "Frucht
Salad" was truly inspired :p Kudos to Laura for actually making the effort
and going to the kitchens to make her dish. Taksan's attire was the ultimate-
German football jersey with Lungi! What a colourful and inspired day it was.
Learnt a lot, shared a lot, ate a lot, gained weight a lot :P I personally
spent two hours searching for Marwadi food here in Chennai. What a painful
thing to do. After Prajwala and me spent hours deliberating we went to Shree
Krishna Sweets to buy some sweets and Bhujia from Haldiram's. The day was the
highlight of the course!
TRIP TO DAKSHIN CHITRA
A picture painted beautifully of four states of the South India-
Tamil Nadu, kerala, Karnataka and Andra. I had my inhibitions, actually thought
of ditching out because I stupidly assumed it to be boring, But am I glad I
went. It was quite exciting to see how well it had been laid out and the
thought and details put into the place. Having my future told by the Parrot and
the through palmistry was particularly amusing. Some of it was actually true
too. Wonder if it was sheer luck or some science is involved. Anyways,
apparently I am to be married this October so you can expect an invitation card
soon! :P Tom was particularly scandalised when he was told that his mother
would be setting up his marriage :D
The video showed in the beginning was a good start. I do mean the
wedding video :D What a thoughtful thing to do. All the foreigners were
watching the video in sheer awe ! But overall, an amazing display of
architecture and culture. The south Indian food in the restaurant was also
extremely authentic and the gift shop was too expensive. Robinder distributing
breakfast on the bus was hilarious!
FEEDBACK
It was the most amazing decisions to have taken this course. One
of the best courses in DoMS, informative yet fun. No other courses offers a
global perspective on work culture abroad. Ethnic day, trip to dakshin chitra
and final presentations on specific country cultures were bang on spot. Case
study presentations were a bit dull but I guess its unavoidable. Inputs from
experiences in various cultures abroad is really nice. The best part about the
course is how interactive and open it is. I love how anyone can just stand up
and present their views. Please do NOT
change the course outline. Just a few tiny suggestions-
1. It would be wayyyy better if you offered this course earlier so
that some of us can apply it when we go on exchange programmes.
2. Group members could
shuffle so that more interactions are possible
3. Guest lectures are
avoidable.
Superb investment of time. I want to thank Viji Maam for taking
this course and also assigning Russia to us for the final presentation. We
leave for Russia tomorrow for 6 days: Moscow and St. Petersburg. So the final
presentations have been extremely insightful for us. We will however try
avoiding the vodka as much as possible :p
CONCLUSIONS
I think the above part summed up the whole experience. Some good
laughs had, memories made, learnings learnt, insights gained, friendships
forged and most importantly a perfect way to say goodbye to DoMS. This is the
last assignment I am writing. I thought the fact would make me extremely ecstatic
but its not. Felling very emotional and sad to leave this wonderful place which
has opened up my life to new possibilities. Despite the flaws and stumbles we
all have managed to gain a lot and improve on ourselves and feel somewhat fit
to face a whole new world out there! L
