Globalization and cross cultural issues

Globalization

Globalization is the growing integration of the world's economies, markets, technology, information and cultures, through the free movement of goods, services, capital, people and ideas. Its drivers are trade liberalisation (WTO), the internet and communications, fast transport, and multinational companies.

Effects on engineering

• Engineers compete and work internationally: Nepali engineers work in the Gulf, and foreign contractors and consultants work in Nepal.
• Technology, standards and materials are transferred quickly, and international standards (ISO, FIDIC contracts) are used.
• Projects use foreign finance, so procurement follows international rules.
• Risks: local firms may lose out to bigger foreign firms, jobs and skills may leave the country (brain drain), and local culture and the environment may be harmed.

Cross-cultural issues

When people from different cultures work together, misunderstanding and conflict may arise from:

• Language and communication: direct or indirect speech, the meaning of silence, body language.
• Attitude to time: strict deadlines versus flexible schedules.
• Hierarchy and decision making: respect for seniors, and whether juniors may question decisions.
• Religion, customs and holidays: festivals, food, dress and working days (for example, Saturday is the weekly holiday in Nepal, while most countries rest on Sunday).
• Ethical differences: gift giving, hospitality and commissions may be accepted in one culture but be bribery in another.
• Work ethic and safety attitude: differences in the importance given to safety, quality and punctuality.

How to handle them: learn about the other culture, respect differences, use clear written communication, give cultural training, keep the core ethical principles (honesty, safety, no bribery) in every country, and follow the laws of the host country.