During my time at
university I have done A LOT of team work and group projects. Study PR and it
is a given to have one group-based assignment at minimum, if not several,
making up about 40% of you total grade.
We are told time and
again that in the ‘real world’ you will always work as part of a team, with the
inference that all projects and campaigns are in part team-based. Well, having now
worked in the ‘real world’ I have quickly come to the realization that
universities have got it very wrong. In my two weeks at GO Communications I
have witnessed one instance where my team has worked together collaboratively –
an event we ran involving a large number of media, VIPs and children.
Ok, yes. Every now and
then someone will bring up an idea to bounce ideas around, but generally in a
conversation of only one or two people. Apart from this, clients are handled by
one team member alone, responsible for all campaigns and strategies and all
associated reports and documents.
There is a possibility
that this is a cultural difference stemming from the ‘collectivist’ behavior often
found in Asian countries, whereby the boss is always right, individual opinion
isn’t desired and conflict is avoided – not exactly an ideal environment for
spit-balling and brainstorming ideas.
However, after
observing other teams within the office I believe it could be more a case of
personal preference and leadership styles than divergent cultural aspects.
Not sure what
collectivism is? Have a look at the short video below for a simple explanation.
I have heard from
several colleagues and friends working in various sectors in Asia, who disagree
with the textbook view that the work style in Asian cultures is so very different
from the westernized environment we have in Australia. It may also exemplify the suggestion that
some textbook theories regarding Asian culture and behaviour are based on
stereotypes and older traditional outlooks, and don’t accommodate for cultural
fusions and social modernizations.
Have you experienced a
cultural difference in your work environment or expectations in Australia compared to Asian countries? What is your take on the benefits of team work vs. the focused
one-man-team? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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