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| Contrasting
Two Cultures
By Harriet Murray
September 7, 2003 |
 Several
years ago, I attended a local seminar, which taught
the participants to become more sensitive to the differences
and similarities between the cultures of citizens of
the United States and Canada and Mexican Nationals.
When I reviewed this material recently, I was reminded
of some points I had forgotten.
Why don't you take the test? As you
think about the statement, I think you will realize
which culture is best being described.
What does this have to do with real
estate? How are you going to be able to understand and
appreciate where you live, even if it is part-time,
if you don’t know where you are?
For better understanding, identify
the differences listed below. Indicate which cultural
group shows the following characteristics by marking
M for Mexican or A for American:
- We work to live
- “If you don't like it here, leave.”
- Both parents hold positions of authority
- Mobility
- Emphasis on memorization in learning
- Emphasis on developing analytical skills
- Little knowledge of the rest of the world
- Large presence of religion in schools and the workplace
- Children influenced more by parents and family
than peers
- Fostering of independence and individualism
- Sensitive to criticism in front of others
- “Stiff upper lip”
- Hiring friends and relatives preferred
- Amount of salary does not equate with job satisfaction
- Appearance is second to work performance
- Respect for authority/do not question supervisors
- Lack of consideration for elderly and children
- Public display of emotions not appropriate
- Written skills not as developed
- Courtesy and diplomacy viewed as essential and
a sign of good breeding.
- Specialization of knowledge comes early/depth of
knowledge is narrow
- Unaccustomed to problem solving/decision making
resides with superiors
- Avoids personal competition, favors harmony at
work
- Time: deadlines are flexible
- Leisure is considered essential for a full life
- Reluctant to settle or work outside of country
- Assumes everyone shares his/her materialistic values
- Title and position are more important than money
in the eyes of society.
- Formality and manners often sacrificed for efficiency.
- Team approaches to shared problems are rare
- Appearance and neatness of written work is as important
as content
- Dress and grooming are status symbols
- A distinction between the use of formal and informal
language.
- Will tell a “white lie” to save face
Truth tempered by the need for diplomacy
- Senior managers have difficulty in delegating authority
to subordinates
- Executives seek responsibility and accept accountability
- Loyalty resides in the supervisor rather than the
organization
- Action-oriented
- Theoretical minded/practical implementation often
difficult
- Sensitivity seen as a weakness
This article is based upon
legal opinions, current practices and my personal experiences
in the Puerto Vallarta-Bahia de Banderas areas. I recommend
that each potential buyer conduct his own due diligence
and review.
HARRIET MURRAY
Harriet
Murray, Broker
For additional information on properties for sale or
lease within the bay, please call or e-mail me at:harriet@casasandvillas.com
Thanks and until next week.
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