Question

When to Lead and When to Manage

This activity will provide you with an opportunity to engage in a project management topic. You will practice using the project management jargon and expressing your opinions in a professional manner.

Understanding the different qualities associated with managers and leaders will help to determine the type of project manager you aspire to be. Additionally, this awill assist you in becoming more aware of the ethical and cultural aspects of project management. Being sensitive to the diversity of team members is essential, especially with the growth of globalization.

Question:

Based on your experiences of working with a team member from a different culture, should a project manager continue to pat team members on the back in a gesture of appreciation for a great job done, or is it best to avoid this gesture?

In your opinion, should project managers tailor their approach/strategy to the culture of each team member, or should the team members conform themselves to a standard approach?

In some cultures, it is not okay for a project manager to briefly touch their team members (such as patting them on the back) for a job well done, but in the U.S., it is a common practice. Should a project manager continue patting team members on the back for a great job, or is it best to avoid this gesture?

Answer 1

Based on your experiences of working with a team member from a different culture, should a project manager continue to pat team members on the back in a gesture of appreciation for a great job done, or is it best to avoid this gesture?

In my opinion, this depends on the culture of the organization, the acceptance level of the team members and how long or frequently the team have been working with each other. Team members that have worked together for a while should understand each other well enough to interpret the intent behind certain gestures. If the organization has established a standard on recognition, then the project manager should adhere to that, if not, then a brief disclaimer from the project manager on the processes of recognition can be given during team development to set this standard.

In your opinion, should project managers tailor their approach/strategy to the culture of each team member, or should the team members conform themselves to a standard approach?

Just as each organization is unique, so are individuals. There should not be a standard on how to approach an individual. A project manager’s responsibility is not only the project, but the individuals involved in the development. Knowing how and what motivates each team member will greatly increase individual results and the overall success of the project. However, each team should establish a set of norms as a way to engage with everyone or intervene if challenges are stemming from cultural differences (Britt, Behfar, & Kern, 2006)

In some cultures, it is not okay for a project manager to briefly touch their team members (such as patting them on the back) for a job well done, but in the U.S., it is a common practice. Should a project manager continue patting team members on the back for a great job, or is it best to avoid this gesture?

This really depends on the individual. People enjoy being recognized differently, for some, a pat on the back is sufficient enough for them to feel acknowledged on their achievements, to others, it may feel like a violation of personal space or inappropriate behavior(Hynes, 2011). .Avoiding the gesture is not necessary, it’s just knowing what works with some individuals. However, if the gesture is creating a negative atmosphere, I would cease the gesture. A project manager wants to avoid uncomfortable situations, therefore, getting to know team members and the cultural differences can increase creativity and solve cultural based problems.