In my article “Sometimes differences are not just cultural” (Feb. 1, 2012) I wrote about the differences you can have between generations who belong to the same culture. Perhaps you have noticed that there can be a clash of values between the Boomers and Generation Xers when it comes to work style. In the book “Boomers, Xers, and other Strangers: Understanding the Generational Differences that Divide Us,” by Rick and Kathy Hicks, the authors point out how Xers have seen how the Boomers can be become addicted to work and find so much fulfillment and meaning from their jobs that they neglect other areas of their lives. The authors explain how the Xers don’t want to get into this work style. They have seen the negative side of becoming workaholics -- what it does to families and personal health -- and they do not want to have anything to do with it.
Having pointed out this difference that exists between generations regarding work values in mainstream Western culture, I would like to say that I do not feel it is quite the same in Turkey. I have noticed in different Turkish workplaces that employees tend to like to leave together and if the boss is staying late then the employees will offer to stay late, too, if necessary. Determining what a person’s preference is on the individualist-collectivistic continuum depends on certain factors, such as culture, socio-economic status and the circumstances. Even in my own workplace, which is a medium-sized operation, if I am staying late my Turkish staff offer to stay late as well.
I received a couple of letters recently asking some questions about work values in Turkey. Here are two notes from Today’s Zaman readers:
“Dear Charlotte: I run a small business and employ five staff. I find it difficult when my Turkish staff say to me that they know how to do something but then I find out really that they did not know and did the exercise wrong. It was a waste of time and costly as more energy and man hours had to be spent re-doing the task. How should I deal with this? Is this a pride factor or what? From: MMC (İstanbul)”
Dear MMC: Even back in your own culture misunderstandings occur in the workplace, but misunderstandings are certainly common when people from different cultures interact. I would say that most likely the person does not want to admit that they do not know so they cover up the fact by saying they do know. I do not think they really mean harm, but it goes back to the idea of face-saving. I have learned over the years to give instructions in one syllable. By this, I mean simple instructions and then ask the person to repeat it back to me and tell me what they think I said and then ask if they have any questions. I hope this is helpful for you.
“Dear Charlotte: I am finding it difficult when my husband phones and says that he is going to be late home again because he has to stay late at work. He says that because his boss is working late and his Turkish colleagues in his department do not feel free to leave that he does not think he should leave even though he has finished his work and there is not necessarily something that he needs to stay and do. I do not understand this mentality. Is this a Turkish thing? Please help me understand what is going on here. From: Julia G (Levent)”
Dear Julia: It is unlike back in the US where young adults in offices have a high-tech work style and work very individualistically and do not seem to care a great deal for authority or bureaucracy. In the States it is more common these days to respect competency and not position. In Turkey, although there is some emphasis on high-tech and competency, the bottom line is being seen to serve and relationships. Nobody wants to be the first to leave --remember? People always begin to excuse themselves when the first has announced his departure. Also nobody wants to miss out on anything.
“The greatest leaders and champions do not always win; they are happy just to serve others.” -- Anonymous
Note: Charlotte McPherson is the author of “Culture Smart: Turkey, 2005.” Please keep your questions and observations coming: I want to ensure this column is a help to you, Today’s Zaman’s readers. Email: c.mcpherson@todayszaman.com
