Cultural Barriers, Working with Westerners

When working in BPO Philippines, you will be exposed to working foreigners, primarily with Westerners as clients usually source from the United States and Europe.

Then you'll encounter differences in culture, these gaps called cultural barriers. How we do things and behave socially are different from those in the West.




Cultural norms vary from country and culture.However, cross-cultural barriers can be overcome with information and awareness.

Navigate through cultural barriers when working with foreigners in the office or company, especially Westerners. These barriers every employee must watch out for so as not to hinder one's chances in climbing the corporate ladder and being valuable to the company.

Do not hesitate to ask questions when asked, when appropriate. 

In your every day work, especially during meetings do not confuse being respectful with being attentive. Being respectful is just a matter of your attitude adopted towards someone of superior status.

Westerners appreciate valid questions because it promotes informative interaction and clarity, it also indicates aware interest. They want to know you're listening and taking notes and if there's something you don't understand, best to clear it off now rather than later, because it won't be a waste of time.

Always maintain eye contact

Most Westerners consider lack of eye contact while talking to them is considered a sign of weakness, disrespect and/or dishonesty.

If you avoid eye contact, you may come across as evasive, non-committal, or less than truthful.

Do not stare/glare; instead, use a 10-second eye contact with the person, and then look away doing something else, like writing notes.

Smiling and or nodding are great aid when you are confused about how long to look at someone but don't use/abuse. Remember to ask questions if you don't really understand or need more information.

Remain professional. ALWAYS.

Don't joke or humor inappropriately.  Do not make any comments or jokes that refer to a particular ethnic group or culture, since you wouldn't know how your client or manager feels about that particular group that you just made fun of.

Also, when these Western clients do make a joke or humor that offends you, your culture because of ignorance, you have to remain a professional and redirect the conversation to the job or task or priority at hand.

If the Western client is simply rude, boorish, and antisocial, difficult to work with, no matter how professional and sincere you are in working towards a pleasant outcome, then address the matter to the appropriate manager/supervisor regarding this matter.

You can request for administrative support to make matters more mutually beneficial between you and your client.

Do not be intimidated by working with foreigners with these cultural or ethnic barriers.

As long as you treat everyone, employer or fellow employee, with courtesy and respect, and focus on doing a good job in BPO Philippines, then these cultural barriers should not be a problem.