Change Intolerance
Countries like Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and Cuba have a low tolerance for change and believe control to be an external function, not highly influenced by human action.
* Cultures in this dimension are risk averse and strive to maintain the status quo.
* They look at new opportunities as creating problems, as leaders are expected to be champions of tradition who promise the remembrance of history.
* Change tolerance comes in varying levels, depending on what is to change. If you’re from Japan and traveling to Argentina, for instance, it is wise to learn Argentinian values to know what they are willing and not willing to change in order to better accomplish your mission.
* A high degree of risk aversion usually signifies restraint on individual freedoms, e.g. freedom of expression.
* When amongst people of a change intolerant culture, expect to witness a fatalistic approach to life and work.
* Your staff, whether it is in your household or office, will respond best to explicit rules and instructions, as they will expect a lot of direction.
- taken from RW3′s CultureWizard™
