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VIEWPOINT

Better interactions help avoid culture shock

Organisational culture differs from company to company. People often fail to devise strategies to handle this culture shock despite having worked for different companies. The problem aggravates when we have been in the same company for long. We get so used to our organisational set up that we become anxious when it is time to join a new company and we are not aware of its culture. Even if you are brave enough to face the odds, you must understand that it is not just courag e that matters when it comes to joining a new organisation with a different culture. Here are some ways to learn about the new culture and work your way through.

Tony cleared all the rounds of the interview but was worried about the culture of the new organisation that he was planning to join. Yet, he failed to use the opportunity when the HR manager asked if he had any questions. Make the best use of this question when you are asked it. Ask clear questions that give you an idea about the culture of the company. Most experienced HR managers give you information about the culture and the ambience of the organisation even before you ask them. When you fail to get such information, it is not wrong to ask for it directly.

Scan the website not just to learn about the history and geography of the organisation. Delve into the deeper details to check if there is any section on the website that highlights the culture of the organisation and the way they treat their employees. Some job sites give you minimal information about the different companies and their cultures. There are many online forums where you can get the feedback from employees working in that company. While most people fear to discuss such things in public, you can always send personal mails requesting information. Specify that the information they give you will help you in taking a decision. Convince them that it is purely for personal use and you will maintain confidentiality.

Tony was surprised to know that his friend’s relative worked in the same company that he planned to join. While most of us are not fortunate enough to meet such acquaintances accidentally, it is better to keep our friends informed about our plans. Use your networking skills to get in touch with new people. Friends, relatives, and people in your neighbourhood can be a great resource to get in touch with someone who can give a clear picture about the culture of the organisation.

You need not panic if you fail to get the required information despite your attempts. You can always initiate a learning process as soon as you join the new company. Try to understand the culture of the new organisation within the first few days.

Organisational culture relates to the common set of values that all the employees share. Likewise, it reflects in practices such as meeting etiquette, telephone etiquette and even trifles such as desk etiquette. Surprises might spring from any direction.

It is always better to be prepared and get ready for the transition. Ask as many questions as possible about the common practices and expectations that are unique to the company. Focus on any aspects that coincide with the culture of your previous company. You can always begin from these common factors and slowly get used to the contrasting aspects with ease.

Finally, you need to understand the culture of the team or department that you are part of. This involves understanding the existing camaraderie between the team members and identifying your place within this team. You can always fit well into any team if you try to understand the team dynamics. Identify the personality styles of the key people in your team and department.

Learn how their personalities influence their team roles. Likewise, factors such as office layout can also influence the team dynamics. You can get a better picture if you try to look at who is sitting beside whom and so forth. These apart, you must understand the processes or procedures that the team follows. You must also be good at managing relationships effectively. While people often doubt the idea of getting familiar with the manager or team leader, it is always advisable to maintain a good relation with the manager and refrain from taking any sides in the team.

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