Identify the cultural value illustrated in each of the following examples.
a. Tomas arrives to work on time every day. He appreciates the structure and organization at his office job. He is a rule follower who feels he can be much more productive when there are clear guidelines for the task and written policies at work.
b. Yesenia has trouble communicating with her supervisor at her new job. He is very direct, likes to give clear orders and has no problem telling her when he is unsatisfied with her work. This makes Yesenia uncomfortable because she is used to a more nuanced communication at work, where leaders are more likely to “beat around the bush” then to come right out and say they are not pleased.
c. Mark has recently taken a new position with his employer that requires him to travel to other countries. As a leader, Mark is used to making decisions by consensus, requesting input and opinions from those he works with. He has found, however, that when he travels he often encounters employees who rarely give their own opinions and instead expect Mark, as the leader, to make all the decisions.
d. Sarah has recently graduated from college. She is interested in pursuing a graduate degree in business at an elite university far from her home in Texas. She is encountering some problems, however, from her family. Although they want her to move on and further her career, she has pressure to remain close to home, and they encourage her to find a satisfying career that will keep her close to the family