Wednesday, 20 April 2011

Knowledge Is Power - Understanding Cultural Differences:-

Knowledge Is Power - Understanding Cultural Differences:-

Americans are exposed to vast amounts of information inside their organizations. From company meetings discussing overall strategy to vast data troves to dig through, information constantly flows. Except for a few minor situations where confidentiality is important, it is rare that information is not available to employees in American companies.
This is not the case in the cultures of Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC). Instead, workers withhold information because the perception is that knowledge is powerful and has great value. Knowledge is power in these countries. The idea that knowledge is power causes the workers in the BRIC countries to withhold data in order to keep their power. The rationale is that if everyone has the same knowledge, then everyone can be the boss.
Working inside these organizations reveals the angst that employees go through in attempting to gain access to information they feel would be helpful. It is simply not available unless it is absolutely necessary.
The difference shows up a myriad of ways, and the virtual communicator will see this. Be aware that knowledge sharing will be restricted and consider it as a possibility in all situations. For example, be on the lookout for people reporting information that seems to have little insight into the "why" behind decisions. This is a sign they do not know the reasons why, likely because someone withheld the information.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5944216

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