Introduction
The world is slowly becoming a global village. Globalization and technological advancement have contributed highly to this state. Before, individuals related highly to their countries or regions. Today, the trend is being replaced by a state where individuals identify themselves as global citizens. The trend toward global citizenship is evidenced by the way there is increased in international relationship (Smith & Malina, 2004, p. 176).
Unlike in the early days where an individual could live, obtain education, do business and work in a single country or region, today there is no limit to where an individual can do these things. Globalization has increased interest in cross-cultural understanding. To work in global environment, I have has to understand other people with whom I work with, their cultural background and how cultural difference can influence our relationship.
There has been increased business relationship between United Kingdom and Pakistani. Both countries take advantage of improved business environment in the two countries. There has also been an increase in the number of people that live or work in both countries. Various United Kingdom’s companies have increased business activities in Pakistani. Likewise, there is increase in Pakistani companies in United Kingdom.
Great cultural difference between United Kingdom citizens and Pakistani continues to be a hindrance of business between the two countries. To do business in a smooth way, individuals from both countries should strive to understand and accommodate the cultural differences. The UK is an Island with over 61 million people and has a very diverse culture due to its history where it dominated the colonization process and assimilation of other cultures. Pakistan on the other hand has a population is diverse along cultural background. Major languages are English and Urdu. The paper compares cultures of United Kingdom and Pakistani and look at how individuals from the two cultural backgrounds can work together.
Culture Identity
Identity and culture could be defined in various was. Identity refers to the features that distinguish one person from another. The British culture as identified is characterised by a lot of diversity just like Pakistani. Nonetheless there are very distinct differences that help distinguish the people of the said countries. In Pakistan, the normal way of clothing is very simple and encourages decency and it’s basically influenced by the climatic condition (Malak, 2006, p. 78).
This is partly because the Muslims form the majority and they encourage modest clothing to cover the whole body. Women are mostly spotted in veils. Britain however presents different culture as the people dress according to the fashion trends. Though some of the dressing code is descent, the women around here are greatly influenced by the occasion they are attending. There are clothes for non-formal and those for formal occasions. Men put on very colourful ties, sleek shirt and suits when on official business. Ladies tend to like low-cut, elegant, sexy skirts. This is basically very different from the way women dress in Pakistan, being covered all over even having to put on veils to cover their heads (Malak, 2006, p. 78).
Also notable is the type of food stuffs. Our food in Pakistan is usually very nutritious and can be described as peppered menus, baked bread, meat curries, rice, lentils, cabbage, peas, spicy spinach and snack like samosas. Britain has different eating habits and they eat like a lot of meat in their menus. Foodstuffs that are common here include oysters, beefsteak, apples, bread, Irish stew, pork, mincemeat, pastry, pig liver, cheese, cakes and various puddings.
General Culture
I realised that United Kingdom and Pakistani had close relationship for a long time. Pakistani was a colony of Great Britain. Through this relationship, there was a lot of cultural exchange between the two countries. Even after independence, there has been relationship that has led to more cultural exchange. Despite of the exchanges, there is still a significant difference in the cultures of these countries. United Kingdom has a wide history.
History of the country and its people is well documented and play significance role to the culture of its people. Pakistani on the other hand is relatively young. Although not much is documented about early history of Pakistani, its people are deeply cultured. Pakistani culture has great influence to relationship between individuals in the country and how they relate with other individuals from other cultures.
United Kingdom is one of the oldest nations in the world. The country has been a leader in industrialization, trade, financial development and modernization. The country has been highly involved in civilization and modernization. The country is endowed with beautiful physical features and a wide history. The country has well developed educational, health and financial systems that make it one of the most visited country in Europe (Seth, 2009, p. 47).
Physical features include natural features such as beautiful beaches and calm lakes. Other features include magnificent manmade features such as mansions, castles and cathedrals. Other unique features include royal palaces, museums, art galleries and national parks. A part from the countries history and unique physical features, the culture of people of United Kingdom set them aside from other people from other countries. The culture of United Kingdom is made of the cultures from the countries that make up UK. UK comprises four countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The resultant culture is a contribution of these countries as well as contribution from other people who live or have lived in United Kingdom (Miller, Vandime & McBrewster, 2009, p. 67-89).
United Kingdom is highly multi-cultured. UK is made up of people different cultural background. The country has been of many activities such as trade, finance, education, health, tourisms and international relation. This attracts many people to the country who contribute to the country’s cultural diversity. Major cities in UK such as London are homes different people from different cultural background. Walking on the street of these cities one would witness presence of people of different cultural background. Learning institutions in United Kingdom are highly multi-cultured. Students in these institutions come various countries all over the world. The students from the different cultural background contribute in one way or the other to the culture of their leaning institutions.
Diversity is a major characteristic of culture of United Kingdom. People of United Kingdom have learnt, over time, to accommodate diversity. Majority of people are tolerant to diverse cultures. Individuals from other cultures feel free to practice their cultures. Despite of diverse cultures, dominant culture in United Kingdom is highly influenced by the dominant English, Wales and Scottish culture.
The culture of people of Pakistani represent the heritage and tradition that was led left after the country acquired independence from Britain. Pakistan was created with intention of accommodating the Muslims of India. Because of this, the culture of Pakistani share many similarities with that of India. Majority of people of Pakistan are Muslim, thus, Islam influence the culture of Pakistani in a higher way. The culture of Pakistani consist the various unique features of national life which include the social conduct, literature, culinary art, music, games and festivals celebrated (Black, 2002, p. 103).
Pakistan has diverse culture that is influenced by the different ethic groups in the country. Ethic groups in the country include the Punjabis, Sindhis, Kashmiri, Pasktun, Baloch, Tajik and Dardic. The different communities contribute to the overall Pakistani culture in various ways. However, each ethnic group has more influence in the region where most of their members live.
For example, the Punjabis, Sindhis and Kashmiri ethic cultures are predominant in the eastern part of the country while Tajik and Dardic ethic groups influence the culture of the people in the northern part of the country. A part from the ethnic groups, Pakistan culture is also influenced by cultures of the people in the neighbouring places such as Turkey, Afghanistan, Middle East and Central Asia. Some elements of Indian culture are also prevalent in the Pakistan culture especially in the south-eastern part (Malak, 2006, p. 78-9).
Language
United Kingdom is highly diverse cultured with people from different cultural background. Despite of the diverse culture, I realised that the main language in UK was still English. 90 percent of the use English in their social and official communication. In Pakistan I could switch to Urdu even on official conversation. Though not and official language, its wide usage makes English to be considered the national language. Other languages are also used in the country. Along with English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh are also used for communication. Other languages used in Europe such as French and German are also used with many people preferring to learn more than one language.
Pakistan is highly multilingual. The various ethnic groups in the country tend to use their distinct ethic languages. Ethic languages are considered to be an important part of ethnic cultures. The national language however is Urdu (Kwintessential, 2008, par 5). Urdu language is highly related to Hindu. The language however is written in extended Arabic alphabet. As a national language, Urdu is supposed to be used in all parts of the country and also in official functions.
Urdu, however, is fast being replaced as a national language by English. English is highly used in official communication, official documents and in learning institutions. Urdu and English are highly used in urban places which are multi-cultured. In the rural parts of Pakistan, majority of people prefer to use their distinct ethnic language. Many languages such as Punjabi, Sindhi, Siraiki, Balochi, brehui, Balti and Guhrati are used in various parts of the country depending on ethnic communities.
Religion
Religion is an important element in culture. United Kingdom and Pakistan differ significantly in religion. There are many religions in the country including Christianity, Hindu, Islam, Jewish and Buddhism. Christianity, however, is the dominant religion with majority of the people being protestant Christians. Magnificently constructed churches and cathedrals are common in the country (IExplore, 2009, par 8).
I learnt that many UK residents were not so religious. The churches are not highly attended which many people prefer to attend various social places. In contrast, Pakistanis are highly religious people. Islam is the national religion with more than 90 percent of the people as Muslims. Islam has high influence to the culture of the Pakistanis. A part from Islam, other religions such as Christianity and Hindu are present though in lower percentages
British and Pakistani cultures differ in many other ways. Family structure, type of food, social relations, preferred social activities and festivals and events are some of the areas that the two cultures differ. United Kingdom has variety of foods. The cuisine comprise of various foods that were used in traditional British Isles. Variety of dishes originating from various regions is widely used in the country. Staple foods for UK included beef, chicken, pork and fish are used together with potatoes and other vegetables (Buzzle.com, 2010, par 7). Pakistan cuisine is quite different from that in United Kingdom.
Pakistan has variety of foods depending on the various ethic groups (IExplore, 2009, par 6). Rise and white bread ‘Chapati’ comprise the staple foods. Most of the meals are served with meat, which is prepared in different ways. Varieties of fast foods have also become common in Pakistan especially in urban areas. Fruits are also common in Pakistani meals. Unlike in United Kingdom, processed foods are not common except in the urban places. Religion has high influence to the type of food used in Pakistan. Some food stuffs are prohibited by Islam while religious festivals influence the kind of food that is served.
Family is an important element of both the Pakistan and British cultures. A typical family in United Kingdom consist of a father, a mother and children. Nuclear family is the most common family in United Kingdom. Family ties are strong between members of nuclear family but weaken in extended family. Family in Pakistan culture is wider than the nuclear family. Family ties in the extended family are strong with members of the extended family relating with each other in various ways. Polygamy is allowed in Pakistan culture.
A significant difference between British and Pakistan cultures is the interpersonal relation between male and female in society. Islam has high influence to social life and relation in Pakistan. Women and girls are expected to wear cloths that cover most part of their bodies. They are expected to wear head scarf to cover their heads. A wider distance is kept between male and female in Pakistan than it is in United Kingdom.
Hofstede’s cultural Dimension on United Kingdom
Power Distance
United Kingdom has a score of 35 on power distance. The implication of this score is that inequality, status and rank between the people in the country is low. There is protection of minority and disadvantaged groups in the country. In work environment, the low power distance score is manifested in relatively casual relationship between managers and subordinates.
Individualism
Individualism score of United Kingdom is high. The score is about 88 points. The implication of the score is that individualism is highly valued in United Kingdom. On family, nuclear family is given more attention that extended family or the community. In workplace, individual achievement is more valued than team (Itim international. 2009, par 1).
Uncertainty Avoidance
The score for Uncertainty Avoidance in United Kingdom is about 35 points. This score is relatively low as compared to other countries. The implication of the low score is that United Kingdom’s culture promotes risk taking and embracing change. This is manifested frequent changes in government structure and law. In workplace, disagreements are accommodated.
Masculinity
The score for masculinity is about 65. This score is near the middle. This implies that the culture in United Kingdom promote equality between gender. However, there is still slight gender bias. The phenomenon is manifested by presence of both genders in most areas (Itim international. 2009, par 1).
Long Term Orientation
United Kingdom has a low score of about 20 points on long term orientation. The implication of the low score is that people of United Kingdom do not hold much to traditions. They are much ready to let go traditions and adopt new ways of living (Itim international. 2009, par 1).
Personal Reflection
There are various features that are worth noting in British culture. People of United Kingdom are highly polite. Many people in UK tend to use indirect statements in their communication. Direct questions are rarely used. Advertisements are mainly structured in an indirect manner. Use of facial expressions and tone variations is common in communication and is used to accompany indirect communication.
Privacy is highly valued in culture of the people of United Kingdom. Many people in United Kingdom are not happy when their private lives are infringed. Direct inquiry into personal information is not welcomed (Communicaid Group, 2009, par 4). Discussion of personal information is usually between very intimate friends or family members. As a consequence of valuing privacy, most people in United Kingdom do not participate in discussing private information unless invited. Value for privacy is usually mistaken for being unfriendly and antisocial.
People of United Kingdom have a trend of remaining calm. When faced with problems, people of United Kingdom tend to have a lot of restrain. They do not give in to difficulty easily and tend to be patient until they succeed. They tend to be detached from problems and handle issues in a formal way. Excessive formality is a major feature in the culture people of United Kingdom. Most people use formal way of referring to each other unless between colleagues at the same level or when invited to use informal ways. Despite of the high tendency to use formal communication, Britons have a high sense of humour.
Humour is used under various circumstances and for various reasons. Unique characteristic of British humour is that it is highly indirect. This could be a result of the tendency of people of United Kingdom to use indirect way of communication.
Business Culture in United Kingdom
Working Practices
Business ethics are highly valued in United Kingdom. In business relation, individuals involved are expected to fulfil their part of the deal. The individuals involved are expected to keep their promise without fail. If a person is not able to fulfil a promise, he or she is expected to notify the other in good time and do everything possible to make up for the problem.
Punctuality is an important value in United Kingdom. Punctuality is expected in business meetings and other events (Communicaid Group, 2009, par 7). Inability to keep time is considered to be a major offence. In most cases failure to be punctual is considered to be being rude. In business relation, inability of one partner to keep time can affect the relationship and may lead to termination of the business relation.
Impulsive way of making decisions is rare in United Kingdom. There is a tendency to use well laid down rules and practices in making decisions. A decision has to go through well established steps before it is made. The tendency helps to avoid conflicts between the individuals involved in decision. Although strict following rules and practice help to avoid conflict in management, it leads to slow decisions. In making appointment, making the appointments is considered to be the acceptable practice.
Leadership and Working Relationship
Leadership is an important in business management. There are various leadership styles that are present in United Kingdom. The common leadership styles, however, are translational and democratic leadership styles. British manager give their subordinates opportunity to contribute in decision making (Communicaid Group, 2009, par 8). The managers prefer to create good working relationship with individuals working under them. The managers usually take the roles of a coach and support and encourage the other individuals to accomplish their roles. Although individual accountability is emphasized, teamwork is a common practice in UK organizations.
Cultural Shock
I greatly appreciate the difficulties I went through when I first arrived in Britain for my studies as I struggled to settle down in totally new environment. The shock was evidently due to lack of understanding and the difficulty of fitting into the new culture (Tan, 2002, p. 23). Regardless of how hard I tried to fit, the new home was inevitably very difficult to settle in and I suffered culture shock. Whatever I experienced was very contrary to what I expected and the true reality was very strange. Basically the things that I saw on television or read about Britain and were charming were every different when I then became a resident.
I had a tough time facing the winter season, the fog and the language difference. Back home I never spoke English throughout since I could easily switch to Urdu to make my point. My cultural signs and other means of communicating were no longer applicable in UK. I had to learn new signs and culture. I came to understand why UK is recorded to be having high numbers of expatriate failure during relocations; this was because many people think as I did, that there would be no problems of cultural shock.
My experience went through the five stages explained by Dr. Oberg. The first stage which is honeymoon was very exciting as friends took me out to visit places as a new comer but this was very short-lived (Tan, 2002, p. 23).. I had to face the second stage which is rejection. I greatly disliked the UK way of life because of the difficulties I encountered at school from the learning style, hustling my way home and dealing with stranger on daily basis some of which could very hostile. I felt I would return to Pakistan sooner!
The third stage of the shock- regression was better for me as I tried so hard to cling on the new host nation and often took videos to watch from my apartment, cooking my own food, and focused all my energy on good things at home rather than think about difficulties in UK (Tan, 2002, p. 23).. Recover stage is forth phase and this is when I started feeling like UK was my Home again. I finally got at ease with many things in the new country, my anxiety had gone totally and I know most of the things I needed to survive. The fifth stage which about going back home will be very exciting though I know I will have lost some customs and cues of my home nation. Nonetheless this will be a very short experience since adjusting back is easier than learning new things altogether.
Coping with culture Difference
Living, working or doing business in a culture that is different from ones own is usually a challenge. To be able to relate with people of different cultures, one must have cultural intelligence. One must be able to understand the other culture and develop strategies to interact smoothly with the other people. To relate well with people of United Kingdom, one must respect the core values of their cultures (Holden, 2002, p. 109). One must be able to respect the privacy the people by avoiding discussing personal information or using direct questions. In business relation, punctuality should be observed strictly. Formal way of communication is highly encouraged unless invited to use informal ways.
Conclusion
The British culture is an exiting one and I have been able to draw some important elements that are unique to it. The Britons are in general humorous people. Humour is used in many circumstances to create positive atmospheres and improve familiarity, introduce ideas, appreciate, criticise and also in contempt of an individual. The Britons have an indirect way of communicating and sometimes I needed to read between the line to understand them.
Their culture is of high context and one has to evaluate other communicating feature like expression, tone and non-verbal communication. I realised that though UK is famed for being a classy society, relationship at workplaces and college was very informal. And many people just call their bosses or tutors by their first name. the British also don’t like complaining and would not cause a scene. They are very friendly though at first they are very reserved. In areas where I live, friends would appreciate when I talked about whether or local events. Being very quite and reserved it was very hard making friends but with time I just found myself very good friends despite the cultural differences.
Reference List
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