Cultural Matters

The United Kingdom is renowned for its colourful history and strong sense of tradition that has been shaped by a colonial empire, both civil and European wars and an constitutional monarchy. With these long-established systems there are also certain ways of operating within the work environment. We strongly recommend that you "take a step back" when you first enter your new working environment and simply absorb everything that happens around you. Sometimes, if you jump in, you can without even recognising it, offend someone.

Here are some things to take into consideration and to help you to blend into this new culture quickly:

• The British highly value the ability to be articulate and communicate well. The British are almost elitist about the use of the English language.
• British humor is often understated and its use in all situations cannot be overestimated. Humour is frequently used as a defence mechanism, can be highly implicit and in this sense is related to the British indirect communication style.
• The British tend to be very uncomfortable dealing with confrontation and they will often find ways to circumvent it. As a result, they can come across as being vague.
• In British culture open displays of emotion, positive or negative are rare and should be avoided. Traditionally the British portray reserve and restraint when faced with difficult situations and may be viewed as approaching work with an air or formality and detachment.
• The British, in particular the English, are renowned for their politeness and courtesy. You may find that direct questions often receive evasive responses and conversations may be ambiguous and full of subtleties.
• Punctuality is essential at any meeting or social event.
• When arranging meetings it is best practice to do so several days in advance
• Meetings in the UK are often structured but not too formal and begin and end with social conversation
• The British are inclined to follow established rules and practices; therefore decision-making is often a slow and systematic process
• Teamwork is very important, however there exists a strong feeling of individual accountability for implementation and error
• The British value their space and keeping an acceptable distance is advised.
• It is considered polite to shake hands on first meetings.
• It is acceptable to make direct eye-contact with your British counterpart, however remember to keep it to a minimum or it could be considered impolite or rude.
• Do not ask personal questions regarding your British counterpart's background, occupation or income.
• Do not forget that instructions are often disguised as polite requests.

Sources: Author: Jodie R. Gorrill, M.A. Intercultural Communication

www.communicaid.com/british-business-culture.asp

www.thunderbird.edu/wwwfiles/pdf/about_thunderbird/case_series/d16030016.pdf

More Information:
www.britainexpress.com/History/english-culture.htm