Culture Compass United Kingdom
Typically britisch!
The “pantomime rule” in the pubs
How do you make yourself noticed to the serving staff in a pub when you want to order? Verbal communication and gestures are frowned upon. Etiquette only allows for polite eye contact. Our Culture Compass U.K. is strict about this.
“Queuing: a second nature”
An Englishman, even if he is alone, forms an orderly queue of one”. This is not an exaggerated joke. Even alone, Brits stand just below the bus sign and look in the right direction (Kate Fox, 2014).
Culture Compass U.K:: Attitudes and Norms.
Patterns of behavior and norms
Self-control, humor, even in tricky situations, modesty regarding one’s own achievements and courtesy are early learned virtues.
Hierarchy and leadership
Despite the extremely relaxed tone, hierarchy plays one major role. Employees use a respectful language style towards managers. This are in closer contact with their employees.
Communication style
Indirect style, willingness to compromise, emotion control and attitude. Pay attention to nuances.
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Culture Compass U.K.: Hints for Managers.
Different from Germans and Swiss, but similar to the Americans the British prefer quick, pragmatic solutions, over fully thought out and well-documented concepts. This is what our Culture Compass U.K. says. The main thing is that it works properly. Quality of service is paramount over product quality. Accordingly understand each other British executives more than facilitators and not as the best professionals. According to that British pragmatism, they are close to their employees and can therefore quickly make arrangements and work out solutions. become confrontations avoided. Accusations should not be made directly. Instead, the communication flows in a people-oriented manner, i.e. aimed at building up the employee.
Cultural Dimensions (according to Hofstede).
