Comments on: Cultural Clash and a Fix

By: Toni

Toni — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:56:39 +0000

Great blog, it’s always interesting to know what non-natives think about Vienna/Austria and its lovely (now and then not so much citizens.

However, it seems to me you’ve misunderstood what your friend wrote. He explained that Austria is a country with a very low power distance, but you wrote: “Look at the Power Distance in Austria. It’s really true. They are all about do-as-you’re-told.” Which actually implies that the power distance is high. Not to be nit-picking, but that has somewhat bugged me.
I sometimes think that when someone here says “I can’t help you.”, he really means “I’m to lazy to help, it’s just not my job and I don’t see why I should put in the extra effort.

By: Camila

Camila — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:50:33 +0000

Yes, those magic words “it can’t be done” really drive me mad, for I’m used to be surrounded by resourceful people that with very little manage to do the most out of it.

By: mimie

mimie — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:18:23 +0000

Very intressting reading, thanks for sharing!

By: Britta

Britta — Wed, 06 May 2009 07:09:54 +0000

Hi Michael,

Yeah, it does help.

By: Michael Vesely

Michael Vesely — Tue, 05 May 2009 12:04:32 +0000

When I (born and raised in Austria) used to work for a Norwegian telco I attended a training for intercultural management, where they introduced us to Hofstede as well as Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner. It has helped me a lot, even more since I’ve changed professions and became a restaurant owner.

By: Expat Philippines

Expat Philippines — Fri, 01 May 2009 02:23:19 +0000

Wonderful.. I have added your blog to my favourites. Keep up the great work

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By: Zhu

Zhu — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:23:47 +0000

I don’t know the culture in Austria but you are right to point out that obvious work differences can be found across cultures!

I know that even in Canada, because the country is very multicultural; problems often arise between English, French, and then Indian-Canadians, Chinese-Canadians etc.

Even though I grew up in France, because I started my work life in Canada, I am clueless when it comes to work etiquette in France!