Ramadan –the holy month of Islam – has begun. During this time, Muslims across the world will fast from food and drink from the time the sun rises to the time the sun sets to show devotion and understand sacrifice. But in the West, Ramadan has largely been a cultural mystery. Unlike Christmas or Easter, …
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Tuen Ng or Duanwu Festival, is a holiday that represents a cultural cornerstone for China. How the festival plays out can differ slightly based on geography, but each celebration is as important and valid as the last. Though the festivities can vary, there are some constants: Zongzi, …
As the Olympic Games draw near, with Brazil running the show, there is excitement over things to expect: The fan-favorite swimmer, Michael Phelps is returning, strong international competitors abound for practically every field…
Recently we wrote about the Millennial generation culture as it affects global society, today we’re taking a closer look at just what to expect from rising generations when they do what all must inevitably do: go to work.
It’s happening more and more every day. Multicultural teams are no longer the “hip” or “unusual” topic of international business. They are everywhere.
Songkran – Thailand’s answer to the New Year – is celebrated with laughs, color, and a lot of water. Based off the Buddhist and Hindu calendar, April 13th to the 15th marks a new period for everyone. Depending on where you are in Thailand, they may celebrate it a little bit differently. For example, the …
Unusual sights and smells; people rushing to places unknown; new technology, and communication you don’t quite understand—and people who don’t quite understand you. This isn’t the scenario of an experience abroad, but instead of a coming home. Returning after a time in a different country and culture can lead to feelings of isolation, confusion, malaise, …
Brexit. The common slang term uttered as of late signifies a major shift that may occur within the European Union: the U.K. is voting on whether to leave it. The U.K. has contemplated leaving the EU for some time, though only recently have the calls for this type of reform been so loud. There is …
Generation Y . . . Millennials . . . Boomerang Generation . . . Internet Generation . . . These are a few nicknames used to describe the ever-popular generation, anyone born roughly between the years 1980-2000. Stereotypes abound, with the group being thought of as narcissistic, entitled, powerful multitaskers yet unable to commit, and ultimately lazy. How true …
Now it’s time to explore the world’s second largest and second-most-populated continent: Africa. In many parts of the continent, African weddings are an event that simply can’t be missed. Let’s take a look at a few! Nigerians love to celebrate such an important day, and this is seen the most in the fact that they have …
Last time, we explored weddings in Asia, highlighting the unique ways brides dress for their special day across the continent. Today we’re taking a look at Latin America and the traditions they hold. Venezuela absorbs customs from all over, including Hispanic, African, Italian, Portuguese culture and more. By taking from these cultures, you’ll find Venezuelan …
Instructor-Led and Electronic-Led Training: A Blended Learning Approach for Success in Today’s Global Workplace How should training and development adapt to reflect the growing diversity in our globally mobile workforce? When our workforce no longer comes from a homogeneous culture, how should the training adapt? Today’s workforce needs personalized training, as well as just-in-time resources …
Last week we covered European wedding traditions. Spring festivals around the world are starting soon and with that comes wedding bells. This week, let’s explore Asian wedding traditions. A common tradition in India and many other countries is the henna, or Mehndi, tattoo for the bride before the ceremony. There are slight variations amongst regions …
It is about that time of year again. Soon Facebook and calendars will be filled with wedding invitations and pictures of elaborate ceremonies. Over the years, many countries have all conformed to a basic wedding structure, but many countries still maintain centuries-old traditions. This week, we look into Europe . . . German traditions start …
For the first time, women in Saudi Arabia have the right to vote and run for election. Saudi is the last country in the world to grant women suffrage. Nine hundred women and nearly 6,000 men ran for the competitive 284 open seats. Eighteen women won seats. Many were not running to win but merely …
WARNING: SANTA SPOILER ALERT! Many of the traditions that Westerners hold so dear during the holiday season actually stem from German folklore. A Christmas tree, commonly the evergreen fir tree, has been used to celebrate winter festivals (both Christian and Pagan) for thousands of years. Some pagans would use the tree or its branches as …
Diwali (Deepavali) is one of the biggest festivals for Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness all across India. The festival is celebrated for five continuous days, with the third day celebrated as the main Diwali festival or ‘Festival of Lights.’ Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with the holiday. On this auspicious …
Culture Shock! The mere thought of leaving the known and launching oneself into the unknown congers up strong feelings. When one is exposed to a new, strange or foreign social and cultural environment, they experience a state of bewilderment and distress. This is culture shock. Travel to another culture and you will find yourself out …
Ghosts, goblins, witches, and zombies usually dominate this time of year for the Halloween holiday in the U.S. However, around the world November 1st is acknowledged as a holiday to remember those who have passed. The most famous celebration occurs in Latin America, specifically Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico. The festival …
In survey after survey, business leaders (CEO’s, CHRO’s, and Directors of Mobility) identify that there is an urgency to search aggressively for competent cross-cultural business professionals. Why is it that some leaders seem to be so much more effective working cross-culturally than others? Paula Caliguiri helps us understand that cultural agility is a key indicator …