In my experience, cultural issues have to be taken into consideration almost everywhere you go. Consequently, one has to be careful with one-size-fits-all approaches in cultural training. Awareness is crucial.
More than distance
I remember discussing a spousal support programme with a British Global Mobility Director who had recently joined a Belgian multinational. To his surprise, the company only offered cultural training to the ‘cross-continental’ transfers. He told me how he felt about the cultural differences between Brussels and London, a mere two-hour train ride apart. This transfer has been a bigger cultural shock to him and his family than their previous posting in Hong Kong.
Some soul searching
In order to create awareness during our Cycles of Change workshop, we first encourage participants to ‘map’ their own culture. Then we start exploring their new host culture, as you can only prepare for culture shock when you understand your own cultural norms and values.
Know thy neighbour
An expat partner who moved from Vienna in Austria to Bratislava in Slovakia, less than one hour away by car, shared with us that of all the support she obtained, she regarded cultural training as by far the most valuable.
Without crossing the border
But even within one country, cultural differences can be a major issue. Moving from Geneva to Zurich in Switzerland might be enough to experience culture shock.
