Differences in cultural
value styles between
Russian and American
business partners
National and global issue
Relevance of the topic
Govorish po russki?
• Language is not the only, or even main, obstacle to
communication in joint Russian-Western ventures
• Differences in cultural values contribute greatly to
misunderstanding and communication/collaboration problems in
the workplace
• In addition to finding effective ways to collaborate with
Russian partners, learning to adjust to domestic and global
workforce heterogeneity in general is an invaluable skill for
employees and business leaders alike (Ting-Toomy & Chung,
2012).
Relevance of the topic
Govorish po russki?
• Cultural misunderstandings and collaboration problems
stemming from them can affect businesses and non-profit
organizations on regional, national and global scales, e.g.:
• Russian professionals work for many MN and Midwestern
companies
• US energy policy involves collaboration (and competition) with
Russian partners in the Arctic
• Russia plays an important role in a wide range of international
organizations, including the UN, UNICEF, the IAEA, etc. and many
Russians work alongside Westerners to solve common
international issues
Introduction
• Stereotypes in the media &
movies:
• Violence, corruption,
nepotism, laziness,
decadence, opulence :)
• Personal experience with
both cultures
This presentation will:
• Discuss potential problems
due to differences in
communication styles
• Propose strategies for
effective solutions
Photo credit:
http://illustrationage.com/2012/03/02/typographerillustrator-sarah-a-king-for-bloomberg-business-week/
Problem described
• A stark difference exists between Russian and
American/Western cultural values reflecting basic worldview:
•
•
•
•
Emotionality
Judgmental Attitudes
Fatalism
Irrationality
• These characteristics often create conflict situations for
Russians and Americans in the workplace context.
Problem continued
• Research along with personal
experiences suggest that in
“organizational settings
expectation gaps between
Westerners and Russians (e.g.
managers, entrepreneurs,
professionals, staff etc.) form one
of the main obstacles to
conducting business, creating
successful partnerships and
organizing efficient work teams”
(Bergelson, 2012).
Just a few examples of the problem:
Western Perceptions
• Russians don’t know
how to work hard.
• Change is impossible in
Russia
• Russians lack experience
and know-how.
Russian Perceptions
• Westerns have no
appreciation of recent
societal changes.
• The West has failed to
manage effective
relationships with
Russian partners.
• Westerners have no
interest in the “Russian
mentality”.
Solution to the problem
• Knowledge is the answer!
• Cultural values, beliefs, and communication styles are
expressed in the workplace.
• Awareness of how your own and your Russian (or any other intercultural) partner’s culture shapes and influences these can
produce mutual understanding.
• Clear vision of the common goal such as business
project/endeavor is key.
• Consequently:
• Learn more about a business partner’s culture
• Become aware of your own culture
• Keep these in mind and be intentional about how you
communicate with your Russian partners
Solution in terms of
communication
• Learn culture-specific information
• Develop cultural sensitivity and adopt a cross-cultural business
communication skill set.
• Consult a range of existing resources:
• Many books, journal articles, and websites
For further reading, check out these websites:
• Central Intelligence Agency. (2012). Retrieved from
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/geos/rs.html
• General Facts about Russia. (2010). Retrieved from
http://www.stranslation.com/Russian_Translation/general_fac
ts_about_russia.htm
Solution in terms of
communication
• Applying understanding of Hofstead’s value dimensions to a
specific culture (Floyd, 2011): Russian culture is known to be
• Collectivistic & high context – much in relationships goes unsaid
but is assumed to be true, e.g. loyalty, fairness, etc.
• Uncertainty avoidant – change is very uncomfortable and clear
ways of doing and structuring things are preferred
• Masculine – value ambition and achievement gender roles for
men, but traditional nurturing roles for women
• Large power distance – respecting power is more important than
equality, i.e. you must have relationships with powerful people in
order to efficiently accomplish things
Conclusion
• Discussed differences in Russian and American cultural value
styles in a workplace.
• This research shows important role that culture plays when
representatives of different nations interact.
• Solution
• Gain additional knowledge in term of culture-general and culturespecific information
• Apply this knowledge by being intentional when communicating
with international partners
Finally
• Do you speak English? Do you speak Russian? are not the main
questions here, but everything else is.
References
• Bergelson, M. (2012). Russian Cultural Values and Workplace
Communication patterns. In L.A. Samovar, Porter, R. E. &
McDaniel, E.R. (Eds). Intercultural Communication: A Reader.
Boston: Wadsworth.
• Floyd, K. (2012). Interpersonal Communication. New York:
MacGraw Hill.
• Ting-Toomey, S., & Chung, L. (2012). Understanding
Intercultural Communication. New York: Oxford University
Press.